National
Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the MS Society has been announced as a new member of the independent scrutiny group working on improvements to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA).
Overseeing Professor Malcolm Harrington's third independent review of the WCA, Simon Gillespie, who has been in charge of the MS Society since 2006, will act as a voice for the charity sector on the scrutiny group. He replaces Paul Farmer, the chief executive of Mind, who left the team last month.
Employment Minister Chris Grayling said he was "delighted" at the news:
In response to the Prime Minister's recent plans to make the UK a world leader on dementia issues, “The Dementia Health and Care Champion Group” has been formed.
The group brings together representatives from the health sector, social care, local government and charities to specifically tackle issues surrounding dementia care and improved services for both people with dementia and their care network.
Carers UK has teamed up with business leaders to call for a new growth strategy to support older and disabled people and deliver a 'triple win' for families, employers and the economy.
According to a report published today, stroke survivors say their recovery is being hindered by a lack of post hospital care and poor cooperation of health and social care services.
The Stroke Association report, Struggling to recover, is based on a survey taken of over 2,200 people affected by having a stroke; an attack that happens when the blood supply is cut off and causes a clot or bleeding in the brain.
To mark the launch of Parkinson's Awareness Week 2012, Parkinson's UK is set to begin the biggest research study ever conducted into the condition.
The charity is looking for 3,000 volunteers - both recently diagnosed with the disease (last 3 years) or those under 50 - to take part in the tracking study. Brothers and sisters are also invited to take part.
Led by Dr Donald Grosset at the University of Glasgow, the research project will eventually link to around 50 centres around the UK.
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities (FPLD) has published a new guide to help people with special needs and their carers get the most out of the NHS.
A recent poll commissioned by the General Medical Council (GMC) has uncovered some startling statistics. Out of a sample of 400 doctors, 64% of GPs and 54% of hospital doctors felt that people with a learning disability did not receive the same standard of care as the rest of the population; with 35% of GPs saying that they had witnessed inadequate care and discrimination first hand. The poll also found that the vast majority of doctors want to improve services and would like further training in this area.
A protest organised by Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), has blocked Trafalgar Square, London.
Today's demonstration against the reform and cuts being made to Disability Living Allowance (DLA), care funding, and loss of Remploy jobs, caused severe disruption to travel in the area.
Ahead of the protest one campaigner was quoted as saying: "Cameron picked on the wrong people by targeting the disabled. We r going to make him regret it".
A industrial design student from Northumbria University has asked people to comment on his idea for an accessible product. Oliver Brunt has created a series of textured and coloured adhesive pads that can be used as visual or physical reminders for people with disabilities or mental illness. The idea is for the silicon/plastic material to be used to help organise and streamline daily life for the individual, removing the need for expensive or complex electronic reminder systems.
Bookings are now being taken for two BSL-interpreted Theatreland Walking Tours taking place later this year - the History of Theatreland on 24 June and, new for 2012, Haunted Theatreland on 25 November.
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