2nd November 2025
Meeting report by Mike and Jane
Holding meetings in the Autumn comes with the added difficulty of early dark evenings and changeable weather. We benefit by the Milford HSP’rs keeping in contact and often sharing reasons why they can’t join us. Knowing that a ‘sitter’ for a new puppy wasn’t available and attending a baby shower for a great grandchild are much better than hearing of seasonal health problems.
With Laura Macdonald having a long journey to Milford, the Carer’s didn’t have their usual dedicated time. Whilst waiting for Laura to arrive, we all benefitted from an open chat session.
We were very fortunate to meet Laura at a couple of the events held by the Medway Neurological Network. Laura is Chief Product and Partnerships Officer for carecircle. Laura covered many aspects of the work carecircle are doing to help and assist those with rare neurological disabilities. She focused on explaining how carecircle are developing a new type of secure healthcare app., which combines medical science, technology and social networks, dedicated to rare neurological diseases. One of the aims is to improve the speed of diagnosis and support. For many, finding out which disability they have can take many medical appointments and consequently, a long time. We know our bodies and the changes we experience, but when we tell a doctor they don’t always understand as they are unaware of our, or other disabilities. They may even mis-diagnose.
This app, which saves a lot of money to health authorities, is already being used in Wales and there are plans to start in Australia too. Sadly, this hasn’t been taken up by the NHS in England yet. For more details have a look at the carecircle website.
Some feedback from Laura’s presentation:
‘…the talk was fascinating and Laura talked so well. The one thing I got from it was we definitely need to be truthful about our health, that is for research as this can help us all. It will be fascinating to see what happens with what she is doing.’
‘Laura was a very good speaker. What came to me is how important these meetings are that we can get from each other. Laura made that very clear.’
‘I was very impressed with all that Laura presented. It was very interesting.’
Being one of the 25th Anniversary meetings we all enjoyed celebration cakes with our refreshments!
With the days getting shorter and everyone at risk of health concerns, take care. Sending best wishes for Christmas and 2026.
We forward to seeing you on Saturday April 11th from 3 pm.