Students see chronic illness issues
West Gippsland-based students had an opportunity to meet and discuss issues around chronic illness with a person suffering from Motor Neurone Disease (MND), thanks to an event organised by community advisory member Mavis Gallienne.
Mavis has been organising such meetings from some years now and the current cohort at the West Gippsland Campus of the Gippsland Regional Clinical School were fortunate to meet local lady Barbara Phillippi.
Barbara has been living with MND for about eight years but remains a fiercely independent woman who is determined to raise awareness of the illness by telling her story.
An active sportswoman, Barbara told the students how she had first noticed that she was starting to trip and stumble for no apparent reason when playing netball.
As the illness progressed she lost the ability to walk and has little use of her arms, but can drive a motorised wheelchair.
The students heard about the frustrations felt by someone who is now almost totally dependent on family and carers. They also learned a lot about the team available to provide assistance, including Barbara’s GP, a neurologist, physiotherapist, dietician, specialist MND nurses and staff for the Victorian Respiratory Support Service, as well as home care support.
In a recent news item in the local newspaper, the Warragul Gazette, Barbara is quoted as saying: “It is really important for people to understand that minds are not affected by this disease.” This was another key message to the students.
The sessions are important for students as it gives them an insight into the whole range of issues, other than the medical, which impact on people with chronic disease. These include the impact on and role of family, services and support mechanisms, as well as the reaction of other people.
Students have also been encouraged to look at other literature available, including a book out at the moment called ‘Until I Say Goodbye.’ It is by Susan Spencer Wendel, a person living with a form of MND.
West Gippsland students are pictured with Barbara Phillippi and community advisory member Mavis Gallienne, at left.