Protection of Body Shape is one of the key health needs for people with a movement difficulty and so we have ensured our work is noted in major enquiries and consultations into health and social care.

Postural Care contributed to the development of ‘Valuing People Now’ and we are involved in national focus groups trying to raise awareness of this hugely important issue.

Following Mencap’s report ‘Death by Indifference’ there was a national inquiry launched to investigate access to healthcare for people with learning disabilities. We submitted evidence towards this inquiry and the final publication by Sir Jonathan Michael’s, ‘Healthcare for All’ noted on page 19:

‘There also appears to be a gap in services for children with profound disabilities and complex needs who have musculoskeletal problems. Early interventions are not undertaken to prevent postural [distortions] from developing. Many families receive no support or advice about how to manage the sleeping position of their child and the Inquiry heard examples of cases where later wheelchair use and/or back surgery could have been avoided if effective early intervention had been provided.’

We will continue to campaign for Protection of Body Shape and train those who seek to develop their skills. Our work is at the forefront of national policy developments for people with movement difficulties and we will strive to ensure that this remains the case.

Some of our recent publications include:

• Carnaby, S. Pawlyn, J. Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities: Nursing Complex Needs.  Hill, S. Goldsmith, L. “Posture, Mobility and Comfort” Wiley Blackwell Publishing 2008.
• Health Action Planning and Health Facilitation for People with Learning Disabilities: Good Practice Guidance, Department of Health, 2009. Page 53.
• Goldsmith, J. Goldsmith, L.  2009.  “Goldsmith Indices of Body Symmetry: Protecting Body Shape”.  In:  European Seating Symposium Incorporating Assistive Technology. Dublin Ireland, 14-17 September 2009, European Seating Symposium: Dublin
• Hill, S. Waugh, A. “Body Shape Distortion: Promoting Postural Care At Night” Learning Disability Practice, 12, 7, 25-29, 2009
• Hill, S. “Therapeutic Positioning: working in partnership towards tangible outcomes for children” Interconnections Quarterly Journal, Issue 6 July 2009
• Goldsmith, J. Goldsmith, L. Hill, S. “Working Together to Protect Body Shape”  Posture and Mobility, Volume 26:2, ISSN 1752-1629, December 2009
• Waugh, A. “Protect Body Shape, Protect Quality of Life” ARC’s Changing Perspectives, Issue 4 - Health, December 2009.