The importance of regional outreach for our community - Muscular Dystrophy Queensland
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The importance of regional outreach for our community

Lead Physiotherapist Lynne and Occupational Therapist Emma recently enjoyed their Allied Health trip to the Cairns region, visiting new and existing clients.

It was so lovely to see our clients face-to-face in their homes! While serving their purpose, telehealth services in-between visits aren’t quite the same.

One family who benefitted from this visit was Sandy Patrick and her son, Steven (pictured) who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We have known Steven since he was just 3 years of age.

Sandy shared, “We are always concerned about the lack of knowledge and understanding of ‘best care practices’ for Steven’s condition. We save up a heap of questions, worries, and concerns and load them onto Lynne. We also connect over calls and emails in between visits”.

Sandy said she would be lost without Lynne’s input and Muscular Dystrophy Queensland’s support in many ways. “We have trouble accessing good input in our region, the lack of knowledge and understanding of DMD is a huge stumbling block”.

Lynne and Emma in Cairns

Steven Patrick

Steven Patrick Cairns

Helene Frayne, Muscular Dystrophy Queensland CEO commented, “These Allied Health regional visits are crucial to our community with 6% of our clients living in regional areas. We are planning on expanding our regional visits to maximise the number of families we see to support their needs. However, we need the support of our donors and fundraisers to continue these important programs.”

During this visit, Lynne and Emma provided assessments, equipment reviews and followed up on respiratory requests.

Our Allied Health staff work with the local services, aiming to have their client’s therapy needs met as well as provide support regarding the specific needs of people with neuromuscular and similar conditions.

We look forward to our next regional visit. If you are in the Cairns region and would like to speak with our Allied Health staff, please contact our Infoline on 1800 676 364 or info@mdqld.org.au. If you are in a regional area outside of this region, please connect with us to discuss your needs.

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