A specialist occupational therapist has been appointed to support islanders living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in Guernsey.
Guernsey Motor Neurone (GMN) and Health and Social Care (HSC) announced that Dawn Spindler had been named as the island’s first dedicated MND Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist.
Ms Spindler said she felt “deeply honoured” to take on the role.
“People living with MND face rapid and profound changes and having the time to work alongside them and their families – anticipating their needs and supporting their dignity and independence – means a great deal,” she said.
The role, which is fully funded by the charity for an initial two-year period, has been in development for 18 months and is intended to improve support for those diagnosed with the life-limiting condition.
Ms Spindler, who previously worked within the Adult Community Disability Team, will now focus exclusively on people with MND.
Her role will include specialist assessments, planning future care needs, arranging equipment and environmental adaptations, and supporting patients from diagnosis through to end-of-life care.
It is hoped the position will become a permanent part of HSC services if its impact can be demonstrated.
Strengthening support
Ms Spindler said she was “grateful to Guernsey Motor Neurone for making this possible and I’m committed to developing a service that makes a real difference”.
HSC’s Director of Care Delivery, Elaine Burgess, said the appointment would strengthen support at a critical time for patients.
“This appointment strengthens the support available for people living with MND during a period when timely, specialist intervention can have a significant impact on quality of life,” she said.
“We are pleased to work collaboratively with Guernsey Motor Neurone and to welcome Dawn into this important role.”
Guernsey Motor Neurone’s Press and Publicity Officer, Susie Hunt, said securing the post had been a long-term aim for the charity.
“MND can progress quickly and families often need urgent, expert support,” she said.
“Being able to fund a dedicated specialist – someone who already understands the challenges faced by our community – demonstrates what can be achieved when the third sector and HSC work closely together.”
“Our hope is that this role becomes a permanent part of Guernsey’s care pathway.”
The new post reflects a joint effort between the charity and HSC to improve care and support for islanders affected by the condition.
