Your comments: 15 February 2017

I was delighted to see your International links article, titled ‘Lasting friendships’, in the 1 February edition of Frontline (page 16).  I was excited to hear what we can learn from those growing the profession elsewhere. It is great to see the dramatic reduction in paediatric burns.

 

I was somewhat disappointed with the stereotypical assumptions reported, that western high-tech equipment and second-hand gifts must be the best way to develop new methods of working in Malawi. 

 

I’ve read the paper on the programme (cited at the end of the article).  I’d love to feel that innovative physiotherapists are not bound by traditional thinking nor rigid ways of working, but include colleagues as full partners with as much to teach us, as we have to share.

 

The Association of Respiratory Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care (ACPRC) was delighted to see the clinical update by one of our affiliated groups, the Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) physiotherapy network (page 29, 18 January.  It is inspiring to see the diversity of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy being showcased across the UK.

 

The ACPRC acknowledges this diversity and last year began a process of evaluating the purpose and drive behind the organisation.  We are now re-energised to support all cardiorespiratory physiotherapists: undergraduates; newly qualified; leaders and academics.  Our mission of ‘inspiring excellence in cardiorespiratory care’ embraces four values that underpin our work: leadership and innovation; sharing knowledge and skills; research and best practice and connecting people.

 

Armed with our new values, logo, and social media profile, we re-launched the ACPRC, with support from the British Thoracic Society at their winter meeting.

 

Complementing this, our committee reviewed progress and described how the ACPRC is committed to delivering action on these values in the future.  We were excited to share this event with so many of our members, both in person and through live streaming.

 

 We hope the re-launch inspires you to get involved in our projects, attending study days and conference, or volunteer as a regional representative or committee member.  

 

You can get in touch via email (chair@acprc.org.uk), Twitter, Facebook or in person at our events.

 

Your article at the end of last year gave some details about my voluntary work in Sierra Leone. 

 

My placement is due to come to an end in June and we are looking to have someone to take my place in post by June.  

 

See here for more information.