Post Polio Syndrome consultation in Somerset

In December 2015, Healthwatch Somerset met with members of the Taunton Post-Polio Support Group to hear about their experiences of accessing health services and living with post-polio syndrome. The engagement followed concerns from group members that many health professionals, including GPs, had limited knowledge of the condition and the long-term effects it can have on people's health and wellbeing.

Group members reported experiences of misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment and difficulties accessing informed support because of limited awareness of post-polio syndrome among healthcare professionals. In response, Healthwatch Somerset worked with the group and the British Polio Foundation to develop a larger piece of research and support the group to gather evidence about people's experiences. Findings were to be shared with commissioners, health professionals and other local partners to help raise awareness of the condition and improve understanding of patients' needs.