Health professionals that may be of assistance and local contact details

Professional people who may be of help include GPs, Neurologists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Home Care Nurses and Social Workers. This list is not exhaustive.

• Because MND is not a common disease, even experienced General Practitioners may not have seen a case previously. Your General Practitioner can carry out the basic neurological examination, and recognise symptoms that indicate the need for referral to a Neurologist.

• The role of the Neurologist is to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other conditions that may be amenable to different treatments. The Neurologist will be able to monitor the progress of the disease and help in initiating supportive care at appropriate times. In some cases the Neurologist may seek a second opinion from another Neurologist.

• An Occupational Therapist can help to maintain mobility, function and independence. They can advise on different ways of performing tasks, and the selection, acquisition and adaptation of disability aids. Occupational therapists can visit private homes to advise on equipment or home alterations.

In North and Mid Bedfordshire this service is offered by Community Occupational Therapists who will advise about equipment and minor adaptations. Advice about more extensive adaptations to the home is supplied by Occupational Therapists in Social Services. Both services will accept a direct referral but may need to liaise with other health professionals such as a family doctor.

Community Occupational Therapists:

Bedford & North Beds	Kempston Clinic, Halsey Road	Tel 01234 310406
Ampthill/Flitwick	Flitwick Clinic, Highlands	Tel 01525 631199
Biggleswade/Sandy/Shefford	Biggleswade Hospital	Tel 01767 224130

 

Social services

County Hall, Bedford

Tel 01234 276665

• A Physiotherapist can help to maintain the physical activity and mobility of the body, make the most of muscle strength, and alleviate or prevent joint stiffness and pain caused by wasting, spasticity and cramps. Physiotherapists can instruct carers in a range of passive exercises, and the techniques of positioning a person with MND so as to avoid injury to themselves or to the person for whom they are caring. Referrals are preferred from health professionals such as the family doctor.

Community Physiotherapists:

Physiotherapy Department

Bedford Hospital

Tel 01234 792183

• A Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) specialises in the management of communication and swallowing problems. Communication aids range from simple manual systems such as alphabet boards, to voice-synthesising computers that can be operated from a single soft-touch switch. SLT can assess and advise on different swallowing techniques, food preparation and selection. This may be done in collaboration with a dietitian who will suggest a diet appropriate to the individual's needs.

Referrals can be made directly to SLT for communication difficulties. For problems with swallowing a referral from a family doctor will be required. For information contact:

Speech and Language Therapy

Bedford Hospital

Tel 01234 792275, Fax 795855

• A Community or District Nurse can provide a range of nursing and ancillary services to people in their own homes. Services are usually obtained by referral from a health professional such as the family doctor. The service is managed by NHS Bedfordshire PCT.

• A Social Worker may be able to help with coping with the psychological aspects of MND. In addition a Social Worker can offer advice on the services and benefits (financial, legal, accommodation etc.) available in the local community.
• In addition

In North and Mid Bedfordshire services are offered according to age.

For persons over the age of 65 years the "older persons" team of Social Workers would be able to assist. For information contact the nearest local office:

Bedford	County Hall	Tel 01234 408094
Ampthill	Houghton Lodge	Tel 01525 840543
Biggleswade		Tel 01767 224224

For persons under 65 the team to contact is Adults with a Physical Disability.

For information contact

N Beds, Bedford & East Mid Beds	County Hall, Bedford	Tel 01234 228328 (9am-12.30pm)
Amptill, West MidBeds & South Beds	Vernon Place, Dunstable	Tel 01582 665861

After 5pm or weekends contact Emergency Duty Tel 0870 2385465

• In addition there is an Expert Patient Programme whose aim is to help any person with a long term health condition remain in control of their health and quality of life, and improve their communication with health professionals. The programme includes topics such as problem solving, symptom and fatigue management techniques and dealing with emotions amongst others.                                                                                                                             This is a 6 week course that is free and is held locally. For more information contact

Bedford area

Lynette Fernandez

Tel 01234 364532 or email to Lynette Fernandez@nhsepp.org.uk