What is CAN-DO?
CAN-DO is a volunteer patient/carer led Alliance of Organisations for people in Cornwall
living with Neurological conditions. We aim to:
- present a united voice in support for all in matters of health and welfare
- focus on equality of treatment, improvement of services, raising awareness and understanding
- provide a One Stop Neurological Support Shop
Progress to Date
Little more than 12 months ago, CAN-DO commissioned NCS to report on neurological services across Cornwall & Isles of Scilly. Whilst the published report Taking Stock and Moving Forward did identify areas of good practice, the Quality Requirements of the National Framework for Long Term Neurological Conditions did not meet Government Guidelines. The report recommended a number of actions designed to raise standards that are currently being worked on by members of CAN-DO and professional service providers. One of the projects identified the need to raise awareness and as part of this programme a Neurology Information Day was held at Eden in October.
The need to provide a single source of information and advice resulted in a new service being set up by the appointment of two Neuro Care Advisors. In April, members of the Neuro Rehab Team and CAN-DO started working on a Neurological Services Directory. This was produced in association with NHS, CCC, Peninsula Community Health and Therapy Works to be made available in October at the Eden conference. A "One Stop Shop" is now up and running with two Neuro Care Advisers, Mel Brobin and Mary Eason, offering advice and information via the telephone help line.
Much has been achieved in a relatively short time by a few volunteers with little resources and hampered by illness. However, this is but a small step on a long journey towards fulfilling the aims of CAN-DO. It was never going to be easy, particularly with financial constraints and uncertainty of change facing Health and Welfare provision. We are prepared for the long haul and remain confident that CAN-DO will continue to play a role in support of equality and excellence in health care for all people living in Cornwall with neurological conditions.
