20 December

For immediate release

OT support to live an independent life this Christmas

A Stantonbury woman with Cerebral Palsy was today thanking staff from CNWL's Occupational Therapy Team for all their support, which will make this Christmas a far easier time.

This year Zoe Furlong, 40, has had fitted a riser toilet seat, a reclining shower chair and a mobility-promoting standing aid called a Sara Stedy (CORR). This goes along with a hospital-style bed and a reclining chair in her living room that she has had in past years

"All this has helped me and my husband John so much. It's made our lives so much easier and reduced pain and inconvenience for me. I am so thankful to the Community OTs for all their help and support for me over many years. They are a great team and knowing they are there in the background is a great support to both of us. All this equipment means the world to me as it helps keep me independent and mobile.

"But this extra help has been so great and we are really looking forward to a Christmas without having to struggle quite so much," said Zoe. "It's made my year."

Zoe was born with Cerebral Palsy - a condition which has increasingly robbed her of mobility over the years.

Six years ago, occupational therapists helped get her on the housing list so she could move into their current disabled-friendly bungalow from a grade two listed house in the countryside. But in the past year she has increasingly struggled.

Following an assessment OTs recommended the equipment, which was fitted following an application to Milton Keynes Council.

Zoe said: "The biggest help for me has been the riser toilet seat because sometimes my spasticity is so bad that I can't bend my knees very well so it helps having the seat come to me. The Sara Stedy has also been a Godsend in helping me to stand with ease. This also has helped my husband because it means he doesn't have to take the strain on his back."

Team Lead Wendy Townsend said:"The team has known Zoe and John for several years and we were happy to continue to enable her to maintain her independence this year.

Zoe's case is one example of how the Community OT team can help people to maintain independence, support carers and remain in their own homes.

"In this instance we have worked closely with our colleagues in MK Council and Millbrook Healthcare who are the local equipment service.

"The Community OT team works with individuals to assess and understand the whole person, their goals and needs then work in partnership to achieve these.

"The team works hard to cope with the increasing demand for the service, we really appreciate Zoe's positive comments. Her success is a really fabulous result for the Community OT team to end the year on."

Editors' notes 
 
Attached photo shows John and Zoe Furlong. Zoe is pictured sitting in her shower chair 

CNWL (Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust) has almost 7,000 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes and areas beyond. For more information about CNWL, please visit our website: www.cnwl.nhs.uk

For information, contact the Communications team on 020 3214 5280 or communications.cnwl@nhs.net