The British Polio Fellowship is seeking feedback from polio survivors to ensure its support services meet the evolving needs of the polio community.
As part of its ongoing efforts to support members, the charity has launched a 'Big' survey aimed at gathering insights from those who have experienced polio and its long-term effects.
The survey focuses on various aspects of living with polio, including how symptoms have changed over time, how many survivors contracted polio abroad, and which healthcare providers are offering the best care. The Fellowship is also keen to identify any gaps in support that may exist to ensure its services remain relevant and effective in addressing the needs of polio survivors today.
The launch of the survey comes at a critical time, as awareness of the after effects of having had polio is dwindling as younger healthcare professionals enter the NHS and those experienced in polio retire. Additionally, there is a lack of ongoing research and funding into neurology which has led to challenges in providing specialised care. The survey follows a similar initiative conducted in 2023, the results of which have already informed the charity's ongoing work.
Kripen Dhrona, CEO of the British Polio Fellowship, emphasised the importance of hearing directly from the polio community. "With so much change affecting polio survivors, it is important we listen and learn from those experiencing new and worsening symptoms, and do what we can to support their individual needs," he said. "The Fellowship receives calls daily from polio survivors living with pain and other symptoms of the late effects of polio and post-polio syndrome, who need help or advice."
Dhrona continued, "We want to be certain that we are meeting the current needs of this community fully, whether that be by helping directly or ensuring that we fight on their behalf to raise awareness within the medical profession and ensure they get the right treatment, at the right time."
The British Polio Fellowship is calling on all polio survivors to take part in the survey and share their experiences. "I’d encourage everyone who has previously had polio to make their voices heard and tell us how we can best help you when you need support," Dhrona urged. "Those views are vital to developing our strategies to ensure support is easily and readily available in times of need."
The survey is available online or as a paper version, and will remain open until Monday 14 April 2025. The British Polio Fellowship hopes the feedback will guide its future efforts and ensure that those living with the late effects of polio continue to receive the care and support they deserve.
To take part in the survey online, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BigSurvey2025
Alternatively, download and print the survey (PDF):
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