Clear path needed for Cerebral Palsy patients

Ms Belinda Sigger, Director of Diligent Care Services, has called for a clear pathway for parents and professionals handling children with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

Ms Sigger, whose organisation provides support services to people with mental health needs and learning disabilities, suggested that diagnoses of CP should be from birth or at the weighing clinics.

“And when a child is not meeting the developmental milestones, he or she should be referred to the appropriate Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)

“If there is cause for concern and a developmental delay or condition is clearly diagnosed, MDT referrals such as Neurology, Speech and Language, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy. Dentist, opticians and when a bit older, Special Education and Continence management must be followed,” she said.

Ms Siggers made the call when she donated GH? 2750 to the Accra-based Special Mothers project to facilitate a workshop for parents and caregivers of children with CP.

The workshop aims at bringing health professionals including physiotherapist, speech therapist, nutritionist among others in contact with parents and caregivers seeks to share basic knowledge with regards to handling and general management of a child with CP.

It would also serve as a skill learning platform while it gives parents the opportunity to exchange information about the right kind of services available in terms of education and health facilities.

Mrs Hannah Awadzi, Initiator of the Special Mothers Project, a project that advocates and create awareness about CP who received the money said many parents and caregivers of children with the condition health struggle with handling and general management of the children.

“This is because children with CP need specialised care, the children should be seated right, even though many parents/carers lack the right seating and mobility equipment. The ability to improvise or handle in a right way goes a long way to improve the health and general well-being of the children.

She said there are also issues with feeding a child with CP, sleeping posture, helping to stand, etc. are all parts of issues that parents struggle with, hence the workshop to share such information.

“We must also note that some parents with CP children in Ghana are advised on the right pathway with regards to the MDT lack of money to pay for all these services continuously discourages them,” Mrs Awadzi noted

Expressing her appreciation, she said Diligent Care Services is supporting a worthy cause and urged other corporate organisations to support the project and help enhance the lives of children living with CP

CP is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle coordination and speech in children. It is the number one cause of disability in children.