MND specialist for Guernsey appointed

The island's first dedicated clinical specialist occupational therapist for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) has been appointed.

Dawn Spindler has worked with MND patients for 11 years has been appointed to the role for two years.

The position has been established in collaboration between local charity Guernsey Motor Neurone (GMN) and Health and Social Care (HSC).

It aims to develop support for islanders with the disease by providing specialist assessment, anticipatory planning, equipment and Spindler said she felt "honoured" to have the position.

It has been funded by GMN and enables Spindler to dedicate her time to those diagnosed with MND.

She said: "I do have a lot of passion around MND and I have been in contact with occupational therapists who work with it in the UK."

She added she hoped the role would "enhance" the services available for those with MND in the island.

Spindler said: "From my very first experience with MND, it was really heartfelt - it made you constantly want to do more."

She is an experienced occupational therapist within the Adult Disability Team and said having a designated specialist for MND was important: "It is about giving care and support when it is needed as it is needed.

"I think every member involved with HSC, carers, community support - everybody works so collaboratively."

She added: "As soon as you mention MND - everyone seems to come together."

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