Australian Physiotherapists to assist with Pakistan Earthquake victims

Dr Lisa Harvey and Ms Julia Batty will work together with the Pakistan National Institute of Handicap and Physiotherapy Department at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences this month, to educate Pakistan medical practitioners about the specific needs of SCI patients and the long-term prevention of secondary complications.

"I believe that the long-term successful rehabilitation of the many people with SCI is highly dependent on good physiotherapy management at this stage", said Dr Lisa Harvey.

Ms Julia Batty believes passing on knowledge to local medical practitioners is the best long-term solution, "through training and education we will be able to make a tangible difference", she said.

Dr Lisa Harvey has worked as a physiotherapist in the area of SCI for over 20 years. She is currently the lecturer at the Rehabilitation Studies Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney but also holds a clinical consultancy appointment at the Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney.

Ms Batty has over 30 years experience in physiotherapy with nearly 15 years experience in the management of people with SCI, she currently works as head physiotherapist at one of Sydney's largest spinal injuries units (Prince of Wales Hospital), where she is responsible for managing the large physiotherapist staff at this hospital.

Following the earthquake that struck Pakistan 8 October, 2005, Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA, the overseas aid agency of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), has been working in partnership with PEACC to provide aid and assistance to survivors.

There is currently a great need for medical practitioners in Pakistan. Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA and PEACC plan to send more medical practitioners from Australia to Pakistan in the future. For further information contact Candice Feuerring at Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA on 02 9264 9343 or by email cfeuerring@apheda.org.au

For more information on Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA visit www.apheda.org.au

For more information about PEACC visit http://www.peacc.org/

Media enquiries contact Candice Feuerring, Marketing and Fundraising Officer,

Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA (Ph) 9264 9343 (Mob) 0404 347 165

(e-mail) cfeuerring@apheda.org.au