It is important that I record the gratitude of our members for the careful reception and strong support we have received from this committee during and after previous presentations. I can honestly say that our last appearance before this committee was the catalyst for a sea change in official attitudes towards our group and polio survivors generally. The members' support not only assisted us to get increased funding but, more importantly, it helped us to achieve a stature in our dealings with State agencies which enabled us to articulate effectively on behalf of polio survivors. Their support gave us confidence. It energised our work, especially in the past four years. That has led to a tangible improvement in the lives of polio survivors.
During our last presentation we gave an example of a member to whom we had given an electric wheelchair and she was then able to go to the local shop for the first time in 12 years unaccompanied. Recently, we funded a rooftop wheelchair hoist for a member, for his own specially adapted motor car, which has enabled him to travel independently, something he could not do beforehand. We will continue to tackle such problems of social isolation.
Polio survivors are a stubborn lot. We are protective of our independence and tend to shun support or help. We do not like to be regarded as victims and will do our utmost to make our own way and provide for our own needs and requirements. Many polio survivors live independently and still work in spite of post polio syndrome. Others have retired either on age grounds or medically because of post polio syndrome.
When we spoke to the committee just four years ago, many were outside the loop of the health and support agencies. Our focus has been on ensuring that all available supports are channelled towards the maintenance of independent living and the recognition of the dignity of each individual. I have no doubt that but for the work of our group some would have been accommodated, at a considerable cost to the State, in a residential institutional setting. We believe polio survivors are entitled to the dignity of that independence and we hope to continue to work to provide it.
With post polio syndrome, the polio survivor notices new weakness, often in a previously affected leg or legs, new muscle and joint pain and a loss of ability to balance. The overall weakness is described by many as fatigue or loss of energy - an inability to carry out simple daily tasks, which become a severe burden. They seek help from the medical profession and then receive what, to many, is devastating news. They now have post polio syndrome, for which there is no cure.
Many polio survivors newly joining our group have neglected their condition over some years, often through denial, and are very costly to support in the initial phase. We are finding that a great number of polio survivors are making the transition from supported walk to electric scooter or chair. That is another costly exercise.
This short description understates and simplifies the challenges in a polio survivor's life, as he or she must cope with pain, intolerance to the cold, and perhaps breathing difficulties and swallowing problems, as well as the many other health problems that can occur. The focus is not to evoke pity, but to emphasise that there are small and meaningful steps that can be taken to ensure the dignity and care of polio survivors.
There are a number of practical ways in which this assistance can be provided. Paying doctors' and other medical bills, and buying prescription and non-prescription medicines is a serious cost of living issue for many polio survivors who must balance the cost of proper medical care against other vital living costs. Everyone was greatly encouraged by the Minister, Deputy Harney, when she spoke to this committee in November last in the context of the eligibility review of the medical card scheme and mentioned giving particular consideration to polio survivors. We have suggested to her that she make medical cards available to polio survivors over the age of 55 suffering from post-polio complications. This would cater in a practical way for most of those who were unfortunate enough to contract polio before vaccination became widely available.
The average age of the polio survivor population is 62. The age profile of our 750 members and the many other polio survivors who we support from time to time means only approximately an extra 300 medical cards would need to be created. The cost would be modest and economical in the long run, but the benefit to polio survivors would be great. One must remember that as the years go by the extra cost incurred by the State will decrease as polio survivors reach 70 years, when entitlement to a medical card is automatic.
I will give an example of the particular health requirements of polio survivors. Survivors, who have breathing difficulties as a consequence of post-polio syndrome, must hire ventilators to assist their breathing and without a medical card, must pay the first €90 per month under the drugs payment scheme - just to stay alive. This is an annual sum of €1,080, which has to be paid from a relatively low net income. It is our contention that the cost of using a device to maintain life's essential energy levels should not be a prohibitive burden.
Polio survivors, in general, are in the latter part of their lives. Our group exists to ensure that their needs, many of which are urgent, are met within their lifetimes. I will now ask Paula to continue the presentation.
