Letters: 18 February 2015

I’ve written an e-book that is an ‘insider’s guide’ to university life as a physiotherapy student. 

 

The e-book covers all sorts of aspects of university life such as critical appraisal, how to prepare for placement and how to go about applying for your first job. 

 

The title is Life of a Physiotherapy Student: an Insider’s Guide to University.

 

The news item titled Northern Ireland ‘cancels’ self referral to physiotherapy is very concerning for patients (page 8, 7 January). 

 

New Zealand was a forerunner to self-referral and patients can have all insurance forms filled, X-rays and ultrasound scans prescribed, referral to all other specialists by physiotherapists. Success for the patient has been on all fronts, clinically, emotionally, socially.  

 

The ‘cancellation’ is a human rights issue.  Patients are entitled to access an opinion on the treatment they wish. 

 

I find it really difficult to read those sections of the magazine which are printed in a grey font colour, except in really bright sunlight. In fact, it’s got so difficult, that I don’t bother reading grey font articles any more, unless I find that the headline is really compelling.

 

It’s such a relief to find print in black, navy, teal, white – because the contrast makes it easy to read.

 

A letter on this subject was published in Frontline some time ago. 

 

The answer to that letter had to do with grey font looking really nice design-wise.

 

 

In the eight years I have been a musculoskeletal physio I have tried to help patients see that it is fruitless to search for a cure for persistent pain and encouraged them to give up hope of finding one. 

 

I have always appreciated that this acceptance isn’t easy and have strived to guide my patients through this process, although often feeling completely under-qualified to do so. However, it dawned on me recently what I am asking them to do is live without dreams. Is that fair? Should I instead be facilitating them to optimise their chances of successfully achieving their dream? 

 

My dream is to be free of pain. I accept that this is not fully in my control and many factors will influence this. However, I’m going to wish and strive for it anyway as it motivates me to do the things which result in small improvements to my function. In line with Professor Steve Peters’ ‘chimp paradox’ theme, I acknowledge that life often isn’t fair so I may not achieve my dream. Diane Slater

Responding to the column titled From child to adult services (page 21, 4 February), Jane Stewart-Parry commented: I am disappointed to see no mention of education, health and care plans.In September 2014 these replaced statements and aid the provision for  0-25 years of age. This means greater support for young people age 19-25. The aspiration of the green paper has not been met by the plans and there is still a lot of confusion with each authority doing their own plans. It is however better than what was before.

 

Julie Knight responded to the news item titled Oops– staff given wrong vaccine in south Wales (page 9, 4 February] by noting: As a health & safety representative at ABUHB [Aneurin Bevan university health board], we were aware of this incident.  Our main concerns were that the all members of staff that received the incorrect vaccination were fully supported ...