Martyn Hooper

The Chronic Conditions Management Sub-Group meets today in the Welsh Assembly Government buildings in Cardiff and, as I am a member, I will be attending.  This is an unusual group as it concentrates solely on how people (patients) manage their chronic condition.  Because of this service users have a high profile and the views of end users is continually sought by clinicians, researchers and politicians.

It seems the recession has reached the heart of Welsh government because the civil servant who showed us to the meeting room informed us that due to cutbacks no tea or coffee was available but that she “will fetch some water”.  The meeting was scheduled to finish at 1.30 but no lunch was provided….. bring on the economic recovery!

Today I attended a meeting of the Third Sector Health and Social Care Reference Group.  The meeting is scheduled for 10.30 and will last 90 minutes.If it was an all day meeting I don’t think I could attend.  The meetings on the week-end have taken their toll on me and I need to rest this afternoon.  Even though I feel a different person after having the B12 Infusion, and my twice daily injections are maintaining that good feeling, I still find that if I overdo things I pay the price.

This committee advises the Welsh Assembly Government on various issues relating to Health and Social care and it is a useful place not only to try and raise awareness of PA but it also provides an excellent opportunity to network with other representatives of third sector organisations.