Thanks from the DRSAG

Phoenix Centre, Heywood

When the Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Service (DRS) was removed from the Phoenix Centre in 2014 we, Janet Lees and Pearl Naylor, decided to do something about it. We were quickly joined by Debbie Goldrick and we formed The Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Action Group to endeavour to get the DRS Service reinstated at the Phoenix Centre. We were joined by six others dedicated to our cause and together became the 'Steering Group”.

Now it has been announced that the DRS Service is to be reinstated from November 2015, on behalf of the full Steering Group we wish to thank all those who have helped us along the way.

Initially thanks to Health Watch Rochdale, to all the staff there for there valuable knowledge and support. Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale CCG for their input and vital research they did on our behalf, which involved a lot of work for some of the CCG Staff.

Hopwood Hall Media Studies Department, Rochdale Campus, John Mikulin and his team of media students for producing the superb mini documentary, and all the Heywood diabetic patients who gave up their time to take part in the film, namely Carol Shepherd and her son Allan, Brenda Williams, Madge Smith and Lilla Hampson.

Tillys Tea Rooms for hosting our much needed fund raiser, in July. Liz McInnes MP for her input at a time when she was new to the job.

We also had support and advice from Diabetes UK, so include them in our appreciation and also the local media for their support and publicity.

Along with the groups we have mentioned, we have had so much support from so many people that to name them all individually would fill the whole page. When we organised the petition last December too many people to mention did a sterling job in cold, wet, weather, running around Heywood to get the 1,080 signatures in little over four weeks, and to all of the 1,080 people who signed the petition grateful thanks. To every single one of you who have, in whatever way, helped us to get the DRS Service returned to the Phoenix Centre from November, a huge and sincere thank you.

Finally, on a personal note, Janet, Pearl and Debbie would like to thank the other six people on the Steering Group, Peter Rush, Marian Corns, Anthony Smith, Peter Malcolm, Jayne Smith and Donna Chadwick for their help and input in the campaign, we couldn't have done it without you. We made a good team and we have thoroughly enjoyed working with every single one of you. So again a great big thank you to everyone involved in this now successful campaign.

Yours sincerely,

Janet Lees
Pearl Naylor
Debbie Goldrick

DRSAG

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/98583/diabetic-retinopathy-screening-confirmed-to-be-brought-back-to-heywood