This report details our engagement with Taunton Post Polio Support Group, the issues around the understanding among professionals about Post Polio Syndrome and the ongoing joint work to highlight these with commissioners, GPs and health professionals.
Key findings
All of those present said that their GP didn’t understand post-polio syndrome. There was a feeling among the group that GP’s are no longer knowledgeable about the condition as polio has been eradicated in this country. This misunderstanding and lack of knowledge had led to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment for some members of the group.
We then spoke with the group co-ordinator who is employed by the British Polio Foundation. There was agreement that further research to identify the extent of the problems was needed and that information to help health professionals be more aware of the ongoing difficulties polio survivors had would be valuable.
This report was produced by the previous Healthwatch Somerset service provider, The Care Forum.
Read our report
If you need this report in a different format, please email info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk or call 0800 999 1286.