British Polio Fellowship conference focuses on health, independence and future support
The British Polio Fellowship brought together polio survivors, carers, healthcare professionals and researchers for a day of learning, discussion and peer support at its Health and Wellbeing Conference.
Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Elstree, Hertfordshire, on Saturday 4 July, the free event welcomed delegates from across the UK and focused on helping polio survivors live healthier and more independent lives.
Following registration and refreshments, the conference opened with an expert panel discussion examining the Optimal Clinical Pathway for polio survivors.
Delegates heard directly from members of the pathway’s core development team, alongside British Polio Fellowship Patron and Trustee Mark Ishwood and Trustee Sue Brown.
One of the most personal sessions of the day focused on lived experience, with BPF Patron Kamran Malik and Moz Copestake sharing their experiences of living with the long-term effects of polio.
The conference also featured two rounds of breakout sessions, enabling delegates to select the subjects most relevant to their needs.
The first session offered a choice between a discussion on emotional wellbeing, led by polio survivor Hansa Khimji, and practical guidance on speaking to healthcare professionals about polio, delivered by GP Dr Gracie Dowling-Mardon.
Following a buffet lunch and networking break, delegates could attend a session on diet, healthy eating and wellbeing with Angela Reddy, Senior Specialist Dietitian at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
An alternative session explored how home adaptations can improve safety and independence. It was presented by Amanda Lawrence and Malcolm Rose from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s care and assessment services.
The afternoon programme focused on research and the future of support for people affected by polio.
Dr Ao Wang, Research Associate at Newcastle University, presented emerging findings on the use of motor unit MRI in polio, exploring the progression from electrical stimulation to voluntary muscle recruitment.
The research provided delegates with an insight into the developing science surrounding polio-related muscle function.
The event concluded with a panel discussion on the future of services for polio survivors. Panellists included British Polio Fellowship Chief Executive Kripen Dhrona, Trustee Frances Quinn, Kamran Malik and BPF Ambassador Anne Wafula-Strike.
Delegates were invited to ask questions and share their views before closing remarks and an informal networking session brought the conference to an end.
Kripen Dhrona, Chief Executive of the British Polio Fellowship, said: “Days like this remind us exactly why we do what we do.
“Bringing polio survivors together with clinicians and researchers under one roof creates something you simply can’t replicate in a leaflet or a phone call: real conversations, real answers and a real sense of community.
“I want to thank every speaker, delegate and member of my team who made today possible, and I’m already looking forward to building on it next year.”
Feedback from attendees highlighted the value of bringing the polio community together in person to exchange advice, access specialist knowledge and connect with others who share similar experiences.
