Australian Prescriber is a journal and this page is archival. The information was correct at the time of publication in Australian Prescriber but some of it may be out of date now.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.
The need to establish post-polio networks arose when it appeared that about 70% 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 2033Tel: (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
