Introduction

This group is chaired by Kenneth Appel whose remit is to monitor the treatment of patients with Specific Medical conditions. He has therefore been engaged at Hospital Board Meetings in voicing the outcome of treatment in cases of cancer, where in this country we fall behind that achieved in Europe and the USA. Two major areas which require attention are:

1) Early Presentation and GPs recognition
2) Shortening Consultants investigative periods, where many other disciplines are involved, this would thus lead to early intervention.

He monitors the regularity of retinal assessment in cases of Diabetes which can vary in this county for a variety of reasons. He is also concerned that Hertfordshire Cardiac Patients are referred to difficult to visit London Hospitals when more convenient tertiary centres are better placed for patients requiring complicated procedures. The after care of Stroke Patients requires careful monitoring. This he carries out in conjunction with the Stroke association.

Areas for future attention are Obesity, Alcohol related problems, arrhythmia when this occurs Fridays pm (only St Thomas' Hospital provides 7/24 service in London) and availability for patients to contact their GPs out of hours.

Get Involved - Have Your Say
If anyone is interested in being involved with this Theme Group or would like more information please contact Nuray on 01707 275978 or email her at nuray.ercan@shaw-trust.org.uk