This information was correct at the time of publication in Australian Prescriber but some of it may be out of date now. Please contact the organisation itself for up-to-date information.
(Aust Prescr 1994;17:103)
Post-polio support groups
The need to establish post-polio networks arose when it appeared that about70% of the people who had contracted polio 20-30 years ago were experiencing new difficulties and required support. These difficulties were new muscle weakness, joint and muscle pain, breathing problems and extreme fatigue. This was a new aspect of polio and only by a combined effort of people who had had polio could acceptance of these new symptoms by health professionals be achieved. These symptoms became known as the post-polio syndrome.
The objectives of the networks are:
- to provide advice through an information kit and regular newsletters on the late effects of polio, where to get help and self-help practices
- to act as a support network for people who have had polio
- to encourage the interchange of thoughts and experiences through seminars and local support groups
- to encourage research into the late effects of polio.
Although each State network is an autonomous body, interchange of ideas through conferences and seminars takes place.
Contacts:
New South Wales
Post-Polio Network (NSW) Inc.
PO Box 888
Kensington 2033 Tel: (02) 636 6515
Victoria
Australian Polio Network
PO Box 1189
Collingwood 3066
Tel: (03) 415 1200
Queensland
Post Polio Support (Qld)
PO Box 5651
West End 4101
Tel: (07) 844 7311
South Australia
Post Polio Support Group of SA (Inc.)
c/- The Neurological Resource
Centre of SA (Inc.)
37 Woodville Road
Woodville 5011
Tel: (08) 268 6222
Western Australia
Post Polio Network of WA
PO Box 257
Subiaco 6008
Tel: (09) 3810170
WA Post Polio Support Group
Bunbury (Inc.)
Unit 29 Wattle Hill Lodge
Bunbury 6230
Tel: (097) 215845
Tasmania
Tas Polio Support
51 Tottenham Road
Gagebrook 7030
Tel: (002) 63 6236
Website: www.polioaustralia.org.au
