Guernsey Motor Neurone and Health & Social Care have appointed Dawn Spindler as Guernsey’s first dedicated Motor Neurone Disease Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist.
The two-year post, fully funded by Guernsey Motor Neurone (GMN), marks a significant step forward in the support available to islanders living with this life limiting condition.
This role has been 18 months in development and represents a collaborative partnership between the third sector and Health & Social Care (HSC). Dawn, an experienced occupational therapist within the Adult Community Disability Team, already works closely with adults who have complex neurological needs. The new role enables her to dedicate her expertise solely to those diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), providing specialist assessment, anticipatory planning, equipment and environmental support and personalised intervention from diagnosis through to end-of-life-care.
The intention is that, once the impact of the role is fully demonstrated, the post will continue as part of core HSC services.
Dawn Spindler (pictured), Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist for MND and HSC said: “I feel deeply honoured to step into this role. People living with MND face rapid and profound changes and having the time to work alongside them and their families – anticipating their needs and supporting their dignity and independence – means a great deal. I’m grateful to Guernsey Motor Neurone for making this possible and I’m committed to developing a service that makes a real difference.”
Elaine Burgess, Director of Care Delivery for HSC said: “This appointment strengthens the support available for people living with MND during a period when timely, specialist intervention can have a significant impact on quality of life. We are pleased to work collaboratively with Guernsey Motor Neurone and to welcome Dawn into this important role.”
Susie Hunt, Press and Publicity Officer for Guernsey Motor Neurone said: “Securing this post has been a long-standing priority for the charity. MND can progress quickly and families often need urgent, expert support. Being able to fund a dedicated specialist – someone who already understands the challenges faced by our community – demonstrates what can be achieved when the third sector and HSC work closely together. Our hope is that this role becomes a permanent part of Guernsey’s care pathway.”
