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The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC)
 A Charitable Support Group for Plymouth Cancer Laryngectomees



 The Voice of PLC
 June - July 2011
 Address: c/o 80 Warleigh Avenue, PLYMOUTH, PL2 1DH, Devon, UK
 Mobile: 07745819828 (text only) Email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk          Website: http://plymouthlc.webs.com



        FOREWORD BY THE SECRETARY                                                                         GREETINGS!
                  Written by Geoffrey N. Read

Dear Friends & Supporters!

We had a very successful Club Meeting in June with four
guests in attendance; three from the Speak Easy Club in
Cornwall and one of the Vice-presidents from the National
Association of Laryngectomee Clubs (NALC) who had
travelled down from Sunderland.

I’ve lost my voice for a while and am awaiting yet another
                                                                                 M   ANY Happy Returns to Mr. Peter STOCK for his
                                                                                                           th
                                                                                     Birthday on Friday, 24 June 2011. Peter is a new
                                                                                 Member of PLC. Welcome Peter and Happy Birthday!
dilation prior to having a new valve fitted. I can hear you
cheering from here...I’m not deaf you know! But no
eating, drinking or talking for ten weeks or so is beginning
to become a nuisance!
                                                                                 H     APPY Birthday to Martin FISHER for his birthday on
                                                                                                   th
                                                                                       Saturday, 25 June 1011. All the best Martin!


It was for this reason that I was unable to report
everything at our June 2011 Meeting but I think I’ve
                                                                                 B    EST Wishes to the Secretary of PLC, Geoff READ, for
                                                                                                                th
                                                                                      his birthday on Sunday, 10 July 2011.

covered most things in this newsletter. If not... then I’m
sure one of you’ll let me know!                                                  M        ANY Happy Returns to Ms. Rosmarie STEPHENS for
                                                                                                                      th
                                                                                          her Birthday on Saturday, 16 July 2011. Rosemarie
                                                                                 is a full Member of PLC. Happy Birthday Rosemarie!
Best Wishes
Geoff                                                                            And finally...


                EDITORIAL COMMENT

I NTERNET Links. If you’re reading this on-line and come
  across words with blue lettering that are underlined,
then you can click on these links and be taken directly to
another site for more information on that particular topic.
Put your cursor over the link, hold down the Control (Ctrl)
                                                                                 H     APPY Anniversary to Christine and Jim REID for
                                                                                                 th
                                                                                       Sunday, 10 July 2011. Congratulations to you both!

Key and click! Ed.




    The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC) is an Affiliated Member of: The National Association of Laryngectomy Clubs (NALC)
    In Association with Macmillan Cancer Support
    Registered Charity Number: 273635
    Our Funder: Macmillan Cancer Support

    A Member of The Plymouth Third Sector Consortium (PTSC)

    Patrons & Medical Advisors : Mr. W.M. BRIDGER, FRCS - Consultant ENT Surgeon,
    Mr. Tass MALIK, BSc FRCS (Gen), FRCS (ORL H&N) - Consultant Otolaryngologist, Head & Neck / Thyroid Surgeon, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.
PLC MEETINGS

T   HIS is just a reminder that in accordnace with our
    Constitution, the Secretary does record and produce
minutes of all meetings held by the PLC. However, these
are not generally distributed and the salient points are
always included in these newsletters. That said, should
any member wish to have sight of any of our minutes
then please contact Geoff.

        THE PLC JUNE 2011 MEETING

O     UR June 2011 Meeting (pictures on the right) took place
      at the Mustard Tree Cancer Support Center at Derriford
                       th
Hospital on Monday, 6 June 2011 at 11 a.m. There were 13
individuals in attendance including four guests:

        Bert CULLING. Bert is one of the NALC Vice-
         presidents who had travelled down from
         Sunderland to give a Talk about NALC and its
         ongoing Educational Project. Ted presented Bert
         with a Thank You Card and a set of Plymouth
         Lapel Badges as a small token from PLC.

        Ron & Rose WILLS, and Val FROST. Ron is Chair
         of the Speak Easy Club in Cornwall. It was a
         delight to host these three from over the River
         Tamar as our two clubs are beginning to build up
         quite a good rapport in trying to help each other.
         Val has given Geoff some invaluable information
         regarding Goody Bags... a project whereby new
         Laryngectommes receive a bag of useful goodies.
         The Speak Easy Club had recently donated £100
                                                                                The above photographs are all by courtesy of Ron WILLS,
         to the PLC to help the Club with its postage costs.
                                                                                Chair of the Speak Easy Club from Cornwall. Taken either
         This was extremely welcome and Ted passed on
                                                                                at the Mustard Tree or at the Jack Rabbit afterwards.
         the thanks of all members of PLC.
                                                                                Thank you, Ron!
Geoff and Jean hosted all four at the Jack Rabbit Inn                           You can view the slide show at: Photobucket.com
afterwards. Other members were too busy to attend!


C   OMMITTEE Meetings. We are well overdue a meeting
    but this is because Geoff is currently unable to talk!
Hopefully Geoff will recover his voice soon as a lot of items
have had to be shelved! The more items that the
Commitee can resolve means less time spent on them at
our normal monthly Club Meetings!
                                                                             F   UNDING. PLC has been fortunate in receiving a grant
                                                                                 from MacMillan Cancer Support and a donation from the
                                                                             Speak Easy Club. However, we need to firm up our spending

C   OMMITTEE Member. Organising our meetings and
    social events is taking up more and more of Geoff’s time
and he does have other commitments! Members agreed
                                                                             policy and assess whether our Club needs to bid for further
                                                                             funding. Does any Member have any suggestions on how we
                                                                             should be using our funds or do you have any suggestions for
therefore that the Committee should have a fourth member:                    why we need further funds? Please speak to Geoff!
An Entertainments Member to organise the Club’s social
diary.      Although Members were in favour not one
volunteered! Interested? Then do please contact Geoff!
                                                                             F   UNDRAISING for Macmillan Cancer Support. Geoff
                                                                                 was in the process of setting up meetings with South &
                                                                             West of England Macmillan Involvement Coordinator and

E   XETER Head & Neck Cancer Support Group. Geoff is in
    contact with Mac M. who’s setting up a new support
club at Exeter and it was thought that it might be a good
                                                                             the North Devon, Plymouth & Tamar Valley Fundraising
                                                                             Office of Macmillan Cancer Support at Launceston to
                                                                             ascertain how best PLC can best get involved with
idea if our two clubs became affiliated. However, our                        Macmillan. Unfortunately Geoff’s voice has let him down
discussions have had to be postponed until such time as                      and discussion will continue just as soon as the miracle
Geoff has regained his voice... soon we hope!                                workers restore it!



                        Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only)
                              or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com
                                                                                                                                       2
M      ACMILLAN Grant. A question was raised at the
       May 2011 Meeting asking what restrictions had
been placed on the expenditure of the Macmillan Grant
                                                                              R    AFFLE. £11.50 was raised on the Raffle. Eileen won
                                                                                   one the first prize and proceeded to win the next prize
                                                                              but put it back! Bert and Rose also won but both very
and whether the funds were to be considered as                                kindly donated their prizes to the next month’s raffle!
Restricted or Unrestricted funding. In other words, did                       Maggie won some chocolates when she was out of the
PLC have any degree of flexibility on how the grant could                     room! As the winner, Eileen will be running the raffle at
be expended? PLC has since received official advice:                          the July 2011 Meeting.
We do require groups to spend the grant            based on the
breakdown confirmed in the Award Letter.
recognised that circumstances often change
                                                   However it is
                                                   and there is a
                                                                              S   UBSCRIPTIONS. We took a comparison between the
                                                                                  Speak Easy Club and PLC. Members then agreed at the
                                                                              May 2010 Meeting that our subscriptions should remain as
procedure for requesting an amendment              to the grant               they are now until after our AGM in September 2011. Our
breakdown.                                                                    current subs are:
                                                                              Joining Fee.       A mandatory one-time payment of £5 per
G    UEST Speakers. A further question was raised (by a
     visitor to our Club) concerning the legality of paying
for gifts or fees to Guest Speakers by PLC from money                         Monthly.
                                                                                                 Member.
                                                                                                 A voluntary subscription of £1 per month
awarded by a charitable institution such as Macmillan.                                           per attending Member.
We have since received the following advice:
It’s fine for the group to spend the grant award on speaker                            THE PLC FORECAST OF EVENTS
fees or a small gift as long as this is what part of the grant

                                                                              J
                                                                                                                               th
was awarded for. If you were awarded funds for                                  ULY 2011 PLC Meeting. Monday, 4 July 2011: The
something else and have now decided to attribute these                          PLC Club Meeting starts at the Mustard Tree Cancer
funds to speaker fees / gifts, you will need to fill out a                    Support Centre at 11 a.m. After the meeting there’ll be a
grant amendment request form.                                                 Talk by Ulla ROHRBECK from Heimomed UK.


                                                                              A
                                                                                                                                    st
                                                                                  UGUST 2011 PLC Meeting. Monday, 1 August 2011:
M     EMBERSHIP Status. Our current Membership Status
      is shown in the table below:
                                                                                  The PLC Club Meeting starts at the Mustard Tree
                                                                              Cancer Support Centre at 11 a.m.. After the meeting
                               POSTAL        EMAIL       TOTAL                there’ll be a Talk by Miles WILLIAMS from Platon Medical.
Confirmed Members:                  9            9          18
                                                                              S
                                                                                                                    th
                                                                                  EPTEMBER 2011. Sunday, 4 September 2011: This will
Prospective Members:                2            1           3
                                                                                  be held at the North Lakes Hotel, Penrith in Cumbria on
Confirmed Friends:                  5           21          26
                                                                              and will cost £15 per head. A response is needed by Friday,
TOTALS:                            16           31          47                 th
                                                                              5 August 2011 so if you wish to attend this function do
                                                                              please let Geoff know by the time of our July 2010 Meeting.
C    ONTACT Details. Of the 16 Members and Friends who
     are not on email Geoff has only telephone numbers for
                                                                              S
                                                                                                                         th
                                                                                  EPTEMBER 2011. Monday, 5 September 2011: The
four! This makes it difficult if ever we need to get in touch                     PLC Club Annual General Meeting starts at the Mustard
with them urgently for the cancellation of a meeting for                      Tree Cancer Support Centre at 11 a.m. followed by Lunch
instance. Geoff sent out a Form with the previous Newsletter                  at the Jack Rabbit. After the meeting there’ll be a Talk by
for all those Members who are not on line to complete giving                  Charles HANDLEY from Countrywide Supplies Ltd.
their full contact details... including their telephone numbers.

                                                                              S
                                                                                                                              th
Thank you to the one reply received so far!                                       EPTEMBER 2011. Wednesday, 14 September2011:
                                                                                  The Speak Easy Club in Cornwall has made a provisional

R    eview of Club Membership. It has been noticed that
     several Laryngectomy Clubs throughout the UK have
broadened their membership to include Head & Neck Cancer
                                                                              booking at Devoran for a soup and sandwich lunch, if the PLC
                                                                              are able to accept their invitation for a joint meeting. The
                                                                              Speak Easy Club could arrange to meet anyone coming by
patients rather than just Laryngectomees. We have                             train or bus at Truro. Geoff will require names of those
ascertained from the Secretary of the National Association of                 wishing to attend by the time of the July 2011 Meeting.
Laryngectomee Clubs (NALC) that this is all perfectly
acceptable to them. Our Members agreed to this in principle
at their April 2011 Meeting. Any actual change would first
need an amendment to our Club’s Constitution and this could
                                                                              C  ALENDAR of Events. A copy of the Club’s Calendar of
                                                                                 Events, including Future Entertainments for the next
                                                                              12months or so, is available on our Club’s website. Please
be done at our AGM in September 2011. Before considering                      keep yourselves up-to-date by taking an occasional peek!
further action however it might be prudent to take advice
from our medical specialists. It is hoped to discuss this
matter at our July 2011 Meeting.
                                                                              C  OACH Trip. A trip was proposed at the May 2011
                                                                                 Meeting but there were no suggestions about dates,
                                                                              themes or destination! Any thoughts? Please contact Geoff!

N    OTES Made by the Late Professor David MOREBY.
     David was a laryngectomee and a prominent member
of Plymouth society. His notes concerning his illness are
                                                                              E  DEN Project. The consensus at the May 2011 Meeting
                                                                                 was that most Members had already visited the Eden
                                                                              Project at one time or another but this will be discussed
available for viewing on application to Geoff.
                                                                              again if anyone shows interest. Just contact Geoff!

                         Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only)
                               or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com
                                                                                                                                         3
J ACK Rabbit Inn. Geoff has cancelled all bookings due to
  the lack of support by Club Members.
                                                                               Julia recently advised us that one of her patients asked her to
                                                                               let PLC Members know that he received a good deal on his
                                                                               travel insurance from Barclays Premier Life Travel Insurance.
T   ALK on Non-Patients: Partners & Carers. At the May
    2011 Meeting it was proposed that it would be good if
our Club could have a talk from non-patients such as partners
                                                                               The contact telephone number is 0800 158 2267. This
                                                                               company agreed to include Laryngeal Cancer cover in the
                                                                               policy.
and / or carers so as to give a different perspective on what
they have had to experience. No decision was made and we
are looking for someone to organise this? Interested? Please                     AN ARTICLE IN THE LOS ANGELES TIMES
contact Geoff!                                                                            By ITZHAK BROOK
       THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
       LARYNGECTOMEE CLUBS (NALC)
                                                                               M     Y TURN: Touched By Another Human's Touch.
                                                                                     A doctor diagnosed with cancer discovers the power
                                                                               a hug can have on an ailing patient.


A
                                                      th
     NNUAL General Meeting: Monday, 16 May 2011.                               Itzhak BROOK is a paediatric infectious disease physician at
     Geoff READ represented the PLC at the meeting held                        Georgetown University.
at The Hallam Conference Centre in London. This picture                        I was deeply shaken to learn I had hypo-pharyngeal cancer.
shows Geoff (left) meeting other delegates.                                    As a physician, I had access to my
                                                                               hospital's laboratory results, so I took a
                                                                               shortcut: Rather than wait for my surgeon
                                                                               to call me, I looked for my name in my
                                                                               hospital's pathology laboratory log book.
                                                                               After my name, the log book stated in no
                                                                               uncertain terms: "mildly differentiated
                                                                               squamous cell carcinoma."
                                                                               I could not believe my eyes. Was this
                                                                               possible? Could it be a mistake? In spite
                                                                               of the hopeful questions that permeated my mind, I knew it
                                                                               was not a mistake: Right here, in front of me, in black and
                                                                               white... my own death sentence. Still, to be convinced that
                                                                               the diagnosis was real, I had to view the biopsy specimens
                                                                               under the microscope myself... and there it was.
                                                                               In that very instant, my whole world changed. I had always
                                                                               had a sense of invulnerability. Now I was left with uncertainty
                                                                               about my prognosis and future.
                                                                               I was in a state of desperation and disbelief when I left the
Photograph courtesy of Ian HONEYSETT, CLAN Magazine                            pathology laboratory and walked into my internist's office to
View the slideshow at Photobucket.com.                                         break the news to him. He slowly rose out of his chair without
                                                                               uttering a word and gave me a big, supportive hug.
A     NNUAL Report for 2010. Geoff has one copy of the
      Annual Report and if any Member wishes to have sight
of it they should contact Geoff. Surprisingly this wasn’t sent
                                                                               It felt so good to know that he deeply cared for me beyond
                                                                               our professional relationship. His embrace moved me... made
                                                                               me feel that I was surrounded by those who truly appreciated
to us by email nor is it available on the NALC website!
                                                                               my pain and distress, and who shared my personal tragedy. It

C   LAN Magazine. Copies of the June 2011 edition have
    been received and issued to PLC Members. If you’re a
PLC Member and you already receive a copy direct from
                                                                               meant much more at that moment than a thousand words of
                                                                               support or elaborate explanations.
                                                                               It was the power of a caring, human touch. I knew that I was
NALC then do please let Geoff know so that he can give                         not alone in my future struggles, that he would be beside me
your copy to someone else! It’s good to see that our Club                      all the way.
received a mention here and there!                                             I had never been hugged by a medical caregiver. Nor had I
                                                                               given a hug to a patient: I always believed in maintaining a
T   RAVEL Insurance for Laryngectomees. Good advice can
    be obtained from:
                                                                               professional distance between them and me. Yet at that
                                                                               moment, I learned there may be situations in medical
         The Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre leaflet                       practice where the power of a hug eclipses everything else
         The Macmillan Cancer Support Website                                 one can offer.
                                                                               In the realm of modern medicine, where machines and tests
Important: The companies listed in the above outlets have                      often substitute for close patient-physician contact, this
been recommended by at least one person with cancer for                        fundamental art is often forgotten. Even a simple pat on the
giving them a reasonable deal on their travel insurance.                       shoulder or a warm handshake conveys genuine care and
Inclusion of a company or broker below does not mean that                      concern.
the or PLC recommends them.

                          Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only)
                                or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com
                                                                                                                                            4
In fact, there is scientific evidence that human touch can
                                                                                                  AN IMPORTANT NOTICE
generate oxytocin and endorphins, which ameliorate pain
and create a feeling of well-being.
Unfortunately, I had to undergo a total laryngectomy to have
my cancer removed. The period after my surgery was very
                                                                                   B   RITISH Red Cross in Plymouth. Whilst undergoing a
                                                                                       Pre-operation Medical Assessment at Erme Ward the
                                                                                   other day, the Sister-in-Charge asked if I had heard about
physically and emotionally trying, as I battled numerous                           the Transport Service that the Red Cross offer to in-
medical problems and also struggled to regain my ability to                        patients in certain circumstances. Apparently, all you have
speak. What eased those difficult months was the knowledge                         to do is to telephone them on (01752) 788791 and tell
that my otolaryngologist's door was always open to me and                          them times that you need to be at the hospital for your
that he would act immediately to assist me in any way he                           operation and they come and pick you up. This apparently
could. His dedication, emotional support, sincere care and                         also only applies to the Plymouth area. I could find
friendliness helped me overcome many of the difficulties and                       nothing on the internet about this but will test it out as
problems I encountered. They were indispensable on my                              soon as I know the date for my next op! Watch this space!
road to recovery.                                                                  Submitted by Geoffrey N. READ
I sometimes went to his office several times a week... often
just to talk with him and tell him how I was doing. I always felt
welcomed. He greeted me with a big smile and hugged me                                          NEWS & CURRENT EVENTS
every time I left. This simple act created a bond of intimacy
between us and made me feel that I had a friend.                                                                 DISCLAIMER
                                                                                    Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this section are
My personal experiences changed my attitude toward my                                not necessarily those held by the PLC Committee nor its Members.
own patients. I am less concerned now about maintaining a
professional distance or avoiding a caring touch or hug when
appropriate. I have learned that such gestures can
significantly deepen the healing relationship between patient
                                                                                   C th
                                                                                        ITY 'Ahead of the Game' on Healthcare Reforms. This
                                                                                        article was published in the Plymouth Herald on Tuesday,
                                                                                   14 June 2011:
and physician.
                                                                                   PLYMOUTH is already "ahead of the game" on NHS reforms,
As a laryngectomee, I have found that speaking is often
                                                                                   says a city doctor as a report of recommendations was
difficult and challenging. So I am fortunate to have discovered
                                                                                   released.
that the "power of a hug" can convey so much more than the
                                                                                   The Future Forum yesterday unveiled its findings after
spoken word.
                                                                                   carrying out consultations in the progress of the controversial
Itzhak BROOK is the author of the 2010 book "My Voice: A Physician's               Health & Social Care Bill which would see the planned
Personal Experience With Throat Cancer."
                                                                                   abolition of primary care trusts (PCT).
He is also a registered Friend of PLC!                                             The wide-ranging report called for a requirement for
More at dribrook.blogspot.com;                                                     consortia to consult other health professionals during
contact Brook at ib6@georgetown.edu.                                               commissioning. It also said plans to increase competition in
My Turn is a forum for readers to recount an experience related to                 the NHS must be scaled back.
health or fitness. Submissions should be 500 words or fewer, are subject           In Plymouth, Sentinel... which is run and owned by 44 GP
to editing and condensation and become property of The Times.
                                                                                   practices... was last year chosen as the body to take over the
Email health@latimes.com. Read more at latimes.com/myturn.
                                                                                   city's health budget after the planned abolition of the PCTs.
                                                                                   Dr. John PICKARD, who is the Chair of the local medical
                HUMOUR IN MEDICINE                                                 committee, said: "Sentinel was started from grass roots GPs
                                                                                   and will emerge as the commissioning group for Plymouth.
T   WO Doctors.

Best friends graduated from medical school at the same time and
                                                                                   Sentinel's commissioning board is already very inclusive... we
                                                                                   have two consultants and medical directors as well as a chief
decided that, in spite of two different specialties, they would open a             nurse and a lay member.
practice together to share office space and personnel.
Dr. Smith was the psychiatrist and Dr. Jones was the proctologist; they            To read the full article click on this link.
put up a sign reading:
"Dr. Smith and Dr. Jones: Hysterias and Posteriors".
The town council was livid and insisted they change it.
So, the doctors changed it to read: "Schizoids and Haemorrhoids".
                                                                                   C   OUNTRYWIDE Supplies Ltd. Geoff has received a hard
                                                                                       copy of the latest 2011 Product Catalogue listing all
                                                                                   available Laryngectomy and Tracheostomy Prescription
This was also not acceptable, so they again changed the sign.
"Catatonics and High Colonics"; again, no go!                                      Supplies. You can obtain a copy by telephoning 0800-783-
Next, they tried "Manic Depressives and Anal Retentives";                          1659 or by visiting www.countrywidesupplies.co.uk/stoma.
thumbs down again.                                                                 Alternatively contact Geoff.
Then came "Minds and Behinds"; still no good.
Another attempt resulted in "Lost Souls and Butt Holes";
unacceptable again!
So they tried "Analysis and Anal Cysts"; not a chance.
"Nuts and Butts"; no way. "Freaks and Cheeks"; still no good.
                                                                                   H     OSPITAL Pharmacy Opens. This article was published
                                                                                                                              th
                                                                                         in the Plymouth Herald on Saturday, 4 June 2011.

"Loons and Moons"; forget it.                                                      A NEW outpatient pharmacy has opened at Derriford
Almost at their wits end, the docs finally came up with:                           Hospital. The service is next to the Outpatient Department,
"Dr. Smith and Dr. Jones - Odds and Ends".                                         formerly the site of the Charity Coffee Shop run by the WRVS,
Everyone loved it!
                                                                                   which is finalising with the hospital a new location on site.
Submitted by Geoffrey N. READ

                              Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only)
                                    or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com
                                                                                                                                                       5
The pharmacy, run by Lloydspharmacy, will eventually                          Free NaturalReader 10.0
provide prescriptions to all patients attending outpatient                    Microsoft Voice included.
                                                                              All functions to read aloud any text in your computer.
clinics.
                                                                              Change speed and speaker.
Gemma TAMBLYN, Senior Pharmacy Technician, said: "It will                     Mini-board to read any text in other applications.
make the collecting of prescriptions easier for our patients                  What is NaturalReader?
attending outpatient appointments.                                            NaturalReader is a Text-to-Speech software
"The location on Level-6 was chosen specifically to allow the                 with natural sounding voices. This easy to use
pharmacy to have external access and for it to be located at                  software can convert any written text such as
                                                                              MS Word, Webpage, PDF files, and Emails into
the heart of the outpatient department."                                      spoken words.      NaturalReader can also
The service does not replace the Hospital Pharmacy on Level-                  convert any written text into audio files such
5, which will still be responsible for dispensing all in-patient              as MP3 or WAV for your CD player or iPod.
and clinical trials prescriptions.                                            What Can NaturalReader do for you?
There will be a phased roll-out for outpatients to collect their                  Allows students to listen to class notes, text books. etc.
prescription from the new pharmacy.                                               Facilitates education
                                                                                  Avoids eyestrain from too much reading
After full roll-out the Level-5 pharmacy will remain open for                     Learn English or other languages
the other medications.                                                            Make proofreading effective
The new pharmacy is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.                       And so much more!
but is not available for use by the public for GP prescriptions.              For further information please visit: naturalreaders.com



T   HE OLDER Persons Voluntary & Community Network
    (OPVCN) has been refreshed and is open for membership.
The network covers a range of issues affecting older persons
                                                                              Welcome to ModelTalker.com!


and the organisations and groups working with older people.
                                                                              We’ve just released beta version 1.0.0.46! Visit the Project News page
The network meets approximately six times a year with                         for important information about this minor update and how you can
invited speakers and guests from public and private sector                    obtain it.
organisations. The network is used for information sharing,                   The ModelTalker System is a revolutionary speech synthesis software
promoting best practice and updates on the latest changes                     package designed to benefit people who are losing or who have
                                                                              already lost their ability to speak. It allows people with Amyotrophic
affecting the sector and services.                                            Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or other conditions to use a synthetic version of
                                                th
The next meeting is taking place on Thursday, 30 June at:                     their own voice for communication, or to choose a voice best suited to
                                                                              represent them.
Plymouth Guild,                                                               The system uses representative segments of recorded speech (either
Ernest English House,                                                         from an individual who is losing the ability to speak or from a person
Buckwell Street                                                               chosen by someone who can no longer speak) to create a unique
Plymouth                                                                      synthetic voice. This synthetic voice is virtually unlimited, meaning it
                                                                              can be used to express almost anything, including words and phrases
from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.                                                          not previously recorded.
                                                                              The voice "banking" process is guided by the ModelTalker Voice
The main topic for discussion is Mental Health Services for                   Recorder, our computer-assisted voice recording software. Once this
Older People. It will include changes in service provision for                process is finished, an individual will be able to create a synthetic voice
older people and the increasing demand for support in the                     by uploading their recordings to a voice generation site. The voice,
community. The meeting will also explore concerns over the                    when combined with our ModelTalker Text-to-Speech system, can then
                                                                              be used with any communication system that is Speech Application
present services on offer and how those in need can access                    Programming Interface (SAPI) 5.0 compatible.
them. Representatives from Mental Health Services for older                   Currently, the complete ModelTalker System is in the early stages of
people have been invited to this meeting to discuss the                       commercial development and we’re actively seeking beta testers.
needs, gaps and present situation of service provision.                       For further information please visit: modeltalker.com
There will also be a general update from the members of the
                                                                              Submitted by Geoffrey N. READ
network and the work of groups across the city.
If you would like to find out more about the network, attend                    The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC)
the meeting or discuss joining please contact Carole HICKLING                 is a Charitable Support Group. PLC aims to offer support and care to
at befriendingpcbc@btconnect.com or telephone (01752)                         the laryngectomees and their carers and families.
221933. For more information please click on this link.                       PLC also encourages understanding and support by the public.
                                                                              And, just for those who may not be aware...
Many thanks                                                                   Laryngectomy is the removal of the larynx and separation of the airway
PTSC Team                                                                     from the mouth, nose and oesophagus. The Laryngectomee breaths
                                                                              through the neck, a stoma. It is done in the cases of laryngeal cancer.

S   PEECH Synthesis Software Packages. We all know
    what it can be like to lose your voice when you need it
most! As Secretary of the PLC it falls upon me to make verbal
                                                                              However, many laryngeal cancer cases are now treated only with
                                                                              radiation and chemotherapy, or other laser procedures, and
                                                                              Laryngectomy is performed when those treatments fail to conserve the
                                                                              larynx.
reports about this and that at our monthly meetings so as to
                                                                              If you’re a Laryngectomee you would be most welcome to come
keep all our Members up-to-date. I recently lost my voice                     along on your own or with your partner and / or Carer.
and either had to have someone read out my reports or
shelve them for a later date. In future I may use one of the                                        Come join us!
following software packages which are free to download:                          Our Members and Friends meet on the first Monday of every month.
                                                                                         Do please see our website for further details.

                         Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only)
                               or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com
                                                                                                                                                       6

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The Voice of PLC (June - July, 2011)

  • 1. The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC) A Charitable Support Group for Plymouth Cancer Laryngectomees The Voice of PLC June - July 2011 Address: c/o 80 Warleigh Avenue, PLYMOUTH, PL2 1DH, Devon, UK Mobile: 07745819828 (text only) Email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk Website: http://plymouthlc.webs.com FOREWORD BY THE SECRETARY GREETINGS! Written by Geoffrey N. Read Dear Friends & Supporters! We had a very successful Club Meeting in June with four guests in attendance; three from the Speak Easy Club in Cornwall and one of the Vice-presidents from the National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs (NALC) who had travelled down from Sunderland. I’ve lost my voice for a while and am awaiting yet another M ANY Happy Returns to Mr. Peter STOCK for his th Birthday on Friday, 24 June 2011. Peter is a new Member of PLC. Welcome Peter and Happy Birthday! dilation prior to having a new valve fitted. I can hear you cheering from here...I’m not deaf you know! But no eating, drinking or talking for ten weeks or so is beginning to become a nuisance! H APPY Birthday to Martin FISHER for his birthday on th Saturday, 25 June 1011. All the best Martin! It was for this reason that I was unable to report everything at our June 2011 Meeting but I think I’ve B EST Wishes to the Secretary of PLC, Geoff READ, for th his birthday on Sunday, 10 July 2011. covered most things in this newsletter. If not... then I’m sure one of you’ll let me know! M ANY Happy Returns to Ms. Rosmarie STEPHENS for th her Birthday on Saturday, 16 July 2011. Rosemarie is a full Member of PLC. Happy Birthday Rosemarie! Best Wishes Geoff And finally... EDITORIAL COMMENT I NTERNET Links. If you’re reading this on-line and come across words with blue lettering that are underlined, then you can click on these links and be taken directly to another site for more information on that particular topic. Put your cursor over the link, hold down the Control (Ctrl) H APPY Anniversary to Christine and Jim REID for th Sunday, 10 July 2011. Congratulations to you both! Key and click! Ed. The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC) is an Affiliated Member of: The National Association of Laryngectomy Clubs (NALC) In Association with Macmillan Cancer Support Registered Charity Number: 273635 Our Funder: Macmillan Cancer Support A Member of The Plymouth Third Sector Consortium (PTSC) Patrons & Medical Advisors : Mr. W.M. BRIDGER, FRCS - Consultant ENT Surgeon, Mr. Tass MALIK, BSc FRCS (Gen), FRCS (ORL H&N) - Consultant Otolaryngologist, Head & Neck / Thyroid Surgeon, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.
  • 2. PLC MEETINGS T HIS is just a reminder that in accordnace with our Constitution, the Secretary does record and produce minutes of all meetings held by the PLC. However, these are not generally distributed and the salient points are always included in these newsletters. That said, should any member wish to have sight of any of our minutes then please contact Geoff. THE PLC JUNE 2011 MEETING O UR June 2011 Meeting (pictures on the right) took place at the Mustard Tree Cancer Support Center at Derriford th Hospital on Monday, 6 June 2011 at 11 a.m. There were 13 individuals in attendance including four guests:  Bert CULLING. Bert is one of the NALC Vice- presidents who had travelled down from Sunderland to give a Talk about NALC and its ongoing Educational Project. Ted presented Bert with a Thank You Card and a set of Plymouth Lapel Badges as a small token from PLC.  Ron & Rose WILLS, and Val FROST. Ron is Chair of the Speak Easy Club in Cornwall. It was a delight to host these three from over the River Tamar as our two clubs are beginning to build up quite a good rapport in trying to help each other. Val has given Geoff some invaluable information regarding Goody Bags... a project whereby new Laryngectommes receive a bag of useful goodies. The Speak Easy Club had recently donated £100 The above photographs are all by courtesy of Ron WILLS, to the PLC to help the Club with its postage costs. Chair of the Speak Easy Club from Cornwall. Taken either This was extremely welcome and Ted passed on at the Mustard Tree or at the Jack Rabbit afterwards. the thanks of all members of PLC. Thank you, Ron! Geoff and Jean hosted all four at the Jack Rabbit Inn You can view the slide show at: Photobucket.com afterwards. Other members were too busy to attend! C OMMITTEE Meetings. We are well overdue a meeting but this is because Geoff is currently unable to talk! Hopefully Geoff will recover his voice soon as a lot of items have had to be shelved! The more items that the Commitee can resolve means less time spent on them at our normal monthly Club Meetings! F UNDING. PLC has been fortunate in receiving a grant from MacMillan Cancer Support and a donation from the Speak Easy Club. However, we need to firm up our spending C OMMITTEE Member. Organising our meetings and social events is taking up more and more of Geoff’s time and he does have other commitments! Members agreed policy and assess whether our Club needs to bid for further funding. Does any Member have any suggestions on how we should be using our funds or do you have any suggestions for therefore that the Committee should have a fourth member: why we need further funds? Please speak to Geoff! An Entertainments Member to organise the Club’s social diary. Although Members were in favour not one volunteered! Interested? Then do please contact Geoff! F UNDRAISING for Macmillan Cancer Support. Geoff was in the process of setting up meetings with South & West of England Macmillan Involvement Coordinator and E XETER Head & Neck Cancer Support Group. Geoff is in contact with Mac M. who’s setting up a new support club at Exeter and it was thought that it might be a good the North Devon, Plymouth & Tamar Valley Fundraising Office of Macmillan Cancer Support at Launceston to ascertain how best PLC can best get involved with idea if our two clubs became affiliated. However, our Macmillan. Unfortunately Geoff’s voice has let him down discussions have had to be postponed until such time as and discussion will continue just as soon as the miracle Geoff has regained his voice... soon we hope! workers restore it! Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only) or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com 2
  • 3. M ACMILLAN Grant. A question was raised at the May 2011 Meeting asking what restrictions had been placed on the expenditure of the Macmillan Grant R AFFLE. £11.50 was raised on the Raffle. Eileen won one the first prize and proceeded to win the next prize but put it back! Bert and Rose also won but both very and whether the funds were to be considered as kindly donated their prizes to the next month’s raffle! Restricted or Unrestricted funding. In other words, did Maggie won some chocolates when she was out of the PLC have any degree of flexibility on how the grant could room! As the winner, Eileen will be running the raffle at be expended? PLC has since received official advice: the July 2011 Meeting. We do require groups to spend the grant based on the breakdown confirmed in the Award Letter. recognised that circumstances often change However it is and there is a S UBSCRIPTIONS. We took a comparison between the Speak Easy Club and PLC. Members then agreed at the May 2010 Meeting that our subscriptions should remain as procedure for requesting an amendment to the grant they are now until after our AGM in September 2011. Our breakdown. current subs are: Joining Fee. A mandatory one-time payment of £5 per G UEST Speakers. A further question was raised (by a visitor to our Club) concerning the legality of paying for gifts or fees to Guest Speakers by PLC from money Monthly. Member. A voluntary subscription of £1 per month awarded by a charitable institution such as Macmillan. per attending Member. We have since received the following advice: It’s fine for the group to spend the grant award on speaker THE PLC FORECAST OF EVENTS fees or a small gift as long as this is what part of the grant J th was awarded for. If you were awarded funds for ULY 2011 PLC Meeting. Monday, 4 July 2011: The something else and have now decided to attribute these PLC Club Meeting starts at the Mustard Tree Cancer funds to speaker fees / gifts, you will need to fill out a Support Centre at 11 a.m. After the meeting there’ll be a grant amendment request form. Talk by Ulla ROHRBECK from Heimomed UK. A st UGUST 2011 PLC Meeting. Monday, 1 August 2011: M EMBERSHIP Status. Our current Membership Status is shown in the table below: The PLC Club Meeting starts at the Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre at 11 a.m.. After the meeting POSTAL EMAIL TOTAL there’ll be a Talk by Miles WILLIAMS from Platon Medical. Confirmed Members: 9 9 18 S th EPTEMBER 2011. Sunday, 4 September 2011: This will Prospective Members: 2 1 3 be held at the North Lakes Hotel, Penrith in Cumbria on Confirmed Friends: 5 21 26 and will cost £15 per head. A response is needed by Friday, TOTALS: 16 31 47 th 5 August 2011 so if you wish to attend this function do please let Geoff know by the time of our July 2010 Meeting. C ONTACT Details. Of the 16 Members and Friends who are not on email Geoff has only telephone numbers for S th EPTEMBER 2011. Monday, 5 September 2011: The four! This makes it difficult if ever we need to get in touch PLC Club Annual General Meeting starts at the Mustard with them urgently for the cancellation of a meeting for Tree Cancer Support Centre at 11 a.m. followed by Lunch instance. Geoff sent out a Form with the previous Newsletter at the Jack Rabbit. After the meeting there’ll be a Talk by for all those Members who are not on line to complete giving Charles HANDLEY from Countrywide Supplies Ltd. their full contact details... including their telephone numbers. S th Thank you to the one reply received so far! EPTEMBER 2011. Wednesday, 14 September2011: The Speak Easy Club in Cornwall has made a provisional R eview of Club Membership. It has been noticed that several Laryngectomy Clubs throughout the UK have broadened their membership to include Head & Neck Cancer booking at Devoran for a soup and sandwich lunch, if the PLC are able to accept their invitation for a joint meeting. The Speak Easy Club could arrange to meet anyone coming by patients rather than just Laryngectomees. We have train or bus at Truro. Geoff will require names of those ascertained from the Secretary of the National Association of wishing to attend by the time of the July 2011 Meeting. Laryngectomee Clubs (NALC) that this is all perfectly acceptable to them. Our Members agreed to this in principle at their April 2011 Meeting. Any actual change would first need an amendment to our Club’s Constitution and this could C ALENDAR of Events. A copy of the Club’s Calendar of Events, including Future Entertainments for the next 12months or so, is available on our Club’s website. Please be done at our AGM in September 2011. Before considering keep yourselves up-to-date by taking an occasional peek! further action however it might be prudent to take advice from our medical specialists. It is hoped to discuss this matter at our July 2011 Meeting. C OACH Trip. A trip was proposed at the May 2011 Meeting but there were no suggestions about dates, themes or destination! Any thoughts? Please contact Geoff! N OTES Made by the Late Professor David MOREBY. David was a laryngectomee and a prominent member of Plymouth society. His notes concerning his illness are E DEN Project. The consensus at the May 2011 Meeting was that most Members had already visited the Eden Project at one time or another but this will be discussed available for viewing on application to Geoff. again if anyone shows interest. Just contact Geoff! Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only) or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com 3
  • 4. J ACK Rabbit Inn. Geoff has cancelled all bookings due to the lack of support by Club Members. Julia recently advised us that one of her patients asked her to let PLC Members know that he received a good deal on his travel insurance from Barclays Premier Life Travel Insurance. T ALK on Non-Patients: Partners & Carers. At the May 2011 Meeting it was proposed that it would be good if our Club could have a talk from non-patients such as partners The contact telephone number is 0800 158 2267. This company agreed to include Laryngeal Cancer cover in the policy. and / or carers so as to give a different perspective on what they have had to experience. No decision was made and we are looking for someone to organise this? Interested? Please AN ARTICLE IN THE LOS ANGELES TIMES contact Geoff! By ITZHAK BROOK THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LARYNGECTOMEE CLUBS (NALC) M Y TURN: Touched By Another Human's Touch. A doctor diagnosed with cancer discovers the power a hug can have on an ailing patient. A th NNUAL General Meeting: Monday, 16 May 2011. Itzhak BROOK is a paediatric infectious disease physician at Geoff READ represented the PLC at the meeting held Georgetown University. at The Hallam Conference Centre in London. This picture I was deeply shaken to learn I had hypo-pharyngeal cancer. shows Geoff (left) meeting other delegates. As a physician, I had access to my hospital's laboratory results, so I took a shortcut: Rather than wait for my surgeon to call me, I looked for my name in my hospital's pathology laboratory log book. After my name, the log book stated in no uncertain terms: "mildly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma." I could not believe my eyes. Was this possible? Could it be a mistake? In spite of the hopeful questions that permeated my mind, I knew it was not a mistake: Right here, in front of me, in black and white... my own death sentence. Still, to be convinced that the diagnosis was real, I had to view the biopsy specimens under the microscope myself... and there it was. In that very instant, my whole world changed. I had always had a sense of invulnerability. Now I was left with uncertainty about my prognosis and future. I was in a state of desperation and disbelief when I left the Photograph courtesy of Ian HONEYSETT, CLAN Magazine pathology laboratory and walked into my internist's office to View the slideshow at Photobucket.com. break the news to him. He slowly rose out of his chair without uttering a word and gave me a big, supportive hug. A NNUAL Report for 2010. Geoff has one copy of the Annual Report and if any Member wishes to have sight of it they should contact Geoff. Surprisingly this wasn’t sent It felt so good to know that he deeply cared for me beyond our professional relationship. His embrace moved me... made me feel that I was surrounded by those who truly appreciated to us by email nor is it available on the NALC website! my pain and distress, and who shared my personal tragedy. It C LAN Magazine. Copies of the June 2011 edition have been received and issued to PLC Members. If you’re a PLC Member and you already receive a copy direct from meant much more at that moment than a thousand words of support or elaborate explanations. It was the power of a caring, human touch. I knew that I was NALC then do please let Geoff know so that he can give not alone in my future struggles, that he would be beside me your copy to someone else! It’s good to see that our Club all the way. received a mention here and there! I had never been hugged by a medical caregiver. Nor had I given a hug to a patient: I always believed in maintaining a T RAVEL Insurance for Laryngectomees. Good advice can be obtained from: professional distance between them and me. Yet at that moment, I learned there may be situations in medical  The Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre leaflet practice where the power of a hug eclipses everything else  The Macmillan Cancer Support Website one can offer. In the realm of modern medicine, where machines and tests Important: The companies listed in the above outlets have often substitute for close patient-physician contact, this been recommended by at least one person with cancer for fundamental art is often forgotten. Even a simple pat on the giving them a reasonable deal on their travel insurance. shoulder or a warm handshake conveys genuine care and Inclusion of a company or broker below does not mean that concern. the or PLC recommends them. Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only) or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com 4
  • 5. In fact, there is scientific evidence that human touch can AN IMPORTANT NOTICE generate oxytocin and endorphins, which ameliorate pain and create a feeling of well-being. Unfortunately, I had to undergo a total laryngectomy to have my cancer removed. The period after my surgery was very B RITISH Red Cross in Plymouth. Whilst undergoing a Pre-operation Medical Assessment at Erme Ward the other day, the Sister-in-Charge asked if I had heard about physically and emotionally trying, as I battled numerous the Transport Service that the Red Cross offer to in- medical problems and also struggled to regain my ability to patients in certain circumstances. Apparently, all you have speak. What eased those difficult months was the knowledge to do is to telephone them on (01752) 788791 and tell that my otolaryngologist's door was always open to me and them times that you need to be at the hospital for your that he would act immediately to assist me in any way he operation and they come and pick you up. This apparently could. His dedication, emotional support, sincere care and also only applies to the Plymouth area. I could find friendliness helped me overcome many of the difficulties and nothing on the internet about this but will test it out as problems I encountered. They were indispensable on my soon as I know the date for my next op! Watch this space! road to recovery. Submitted by Geoffrey N. READ I sometimes went to his office several times a week... often just to talk with him and tell him how I was doing. I always felt welcomed. He greeted me with a big smile and hugged me NEWS & CURRENT EVENTS every time I left. This simple act created a bond of intimacy between us and made me feel that I had a friend. DISCLAIMER Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this section are My personal experiences changed my attitude toward my not necessarily those held by the PLC Committee nor its Members. own patients. I am less concerned now about maintaining a professional distance or avoiding a caring touch or hug when appropriate. I have learned that such gestures can significantly deepen the healing relationship between patient C th ITY 'Ahead of the Game' on Healthcare Reforms. This article was published in the Plymouth Herald on Tuesday, 14 June 2011: and physician. PLYMOUTH is already "ahead of the game" on NHS reforms, As a laryngectomee, I have found that speaking is often says a city doctor as a report of recommendations was difficult and challenging. So I am fortunate to have discovered released. that the "power of a hug" can convey so much more than the The Future Forum yesterday unveiled its findings after spoken word. carrying out consultations in the progress of the controversial Itzhak BROOK is the author of the 2010 book "My Voice: A Physician's Health & Social Care Bill which would see the planned Personal Experience With Throat Cancer." abolition of primary care trusts (PCT). He is also a registered Friend of PLC! The wide-ranging report called for a requirement for More at dribrook.blogspot.com; consortia to consult other health professionals during contact Brook at ib6@georgetown.edu. commissioning. It also said plans to increase competition in My Turn is a forum for readers to recount an experience related to the NHS must be scaled back. health or fitness. Submissions should be 500 words or fewer, are subject In Plymouth, Sentinel... which is run and owned by 44 GP to editing and condensation and become property of The Times. practices... was last year chosen as the body to take over the Email health@latimes.com. Read more at latimes.com/myturn. city's health budget after the planned abolition of the PCTs. Dr. John PICKARD, who is the Chair of the local medical HUMOUR IN MEDICINE committee, said: "Sentinel was started from grass roots GPs and will emerge as the commissioning group for Plymouth. T WO Doctors. Best friends graduated from medical school at the same time and Sentinel's commissioning board is already very inclusive... we have two consultants and medical directors as well as a chief decided that, in spite of two different specialties, they would open a nurse and a lay member. practice together to share office space and personnel. Dr. Smith was the psychiatrist and Dr. Jones was the proctologist; they To read the full article click on this link. put up a sign reading: "Dr. Smith and Dr. Jones: Hysterias and Posteriors". The town council was livid and insisted they change it. So, the doctors changed it to read: "Schizoids and Haemorrhoids". C OUNTRYWIDE Supplies Ltd. Geoff has received a hard copy of the latest 2011 Product Catalogue listing all available Laryngectomy and Tracheostomy Prescription This was also not acceptable, so they again changed the sign. "Catatonics and High Colonics"; again, no go! Supplies. You can obtain a copy by telephoning 0800-783- Next, they tried "Manic Depressives and Anal Retentives"; 1659 or by visiting www.countrywidesupplies.co.uk/stoma. thumbs down again. Alternatively contact Geoff. Then came "Minds and Behinds"; still no good. Another attempt resulted in "Lost Souls and Butt Holes"; unacceptable again! So they tried "Analysis and Anal Cysts"; not a chance. "Nuts and Butts"; no way. "Freaks and Cheeks"; still no good. H OSPITAL Pharmacy Opens. This article was published th in the Plymouth Herald on Saturday, 4 June 2011. "Loons and Moons"; forget it. A NEW outpatient pharmacy has opened at Derriford Almost at their wits end, the docs finally came up with: Hospital. The service is next to the Outpatient Department, "Dr. Smith and Dr. Jones - Odds and Ends". formerly the site of the Charity Coffee Shop run by the WRVS, Everyone loved it! which is finalising with the hospital a new location on site. Submitted by Geoffrey N. READ Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only) or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com 5
  • 6. The pharmacy, run by Lloydspharmacy, will eventually Free NaturalReader 10.0 provide prescriptions to all patients attending outpatient Microsoft Voice included. All functions to read aloud any text in your computer. clinics. Change speed and speaker. Gemma TAMBLYN, Senior Pharmacy Technician, said: "It will Mini-board to read any text in other applications. make the collecting of prescriptions easier for our patients What is NaturalReader? attending outpatient appointments. NaturalReader is a Text-to-Speech software "The location on Level-6 was chosen specifically to allow the with natural sounding voices. This easy to use pharmacy to have external access and for it to be located at software can convert any written text such as MS Word, Webpage, PDF files, and Emails into the heart of the outpatient department." spoken words. NaturalReader can also The service does not replace the Hospital Pharmacy on Level- convert any written text into audio files such 5, which will still be responsible for dispensing all in-patient as MP3 or WAV for your CD player or iPod. and clinical trials prescriptions. What Can NaturalReader do for you? There will be a phased roll-out for outpatients to collect their  Allows students to listen to class notes, text books. etc. prescription from the new pharmacy.  Facilitates education  Avoids eyestrain from too much reading After full roll-out the Level-5 pharmacy will remain open for  Learn English or other languages the other medications.  Make proofreading effective The new pharmacy is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  And so much more! but is not available for use by the public for GP prescriptions. For further information please visit: naturalreaders.com T HE OLDER Persons Voluntary & Community Network (OPVCN) has been refreshed and is open for membership. The network covers a range of issues affecting older persons Welcome to ModelTalker.com! and the organisations and groups working with older people. We’ve just released beta version 1.0.0.46! Visit the Project News page The network meets approximately six times a year with for important information about this minor update and how you can invited speakers and guests from public and private sector obtain it. organisations. The network is used for information sharing, The ModelTalker System is a revolutionary speech synthesis software promoting best practice and updates on the latest changes package designed to benefit people who are losing or who have already lost their ability to speak. It allows people with Amyotrophic affecting the sector and services. Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or other conditions to use a synthetic version of th The next meeting is taking place on Thursday, 30 June at: their own voice for communication, or to choose a voice best suited to represent them. Plymouth Guild, The system uses representative segments of recorded speech (either Ernest English House, from an individual who is losing the ability to speak or from a person Buckwell Street chosen by someone who can no longer speak) to create a unique Plymouth synthetic voice. This synthetic voice is virtually unlimited, meaning it can be used to express almost anything, including words and phrases from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. not previously recorded. The voice "banking" process is guided by the ModelTalker Voice The main topic for discussion is Mental Health Services for Recorder, our computer-assisted voice recording software. Once this Older People. It will include changes in service provision for process is finished, an individual will be able to create a synthetic voice older people and the increasing demand for support in the by uploading their recordings to a voice generation site. The voice, community. The meeting will also explore concerns over the when combined with our ModelTalker Text-to-Speech system, can then be used with any communication system that is Speech Application present services on offer and how those in need can access Programming Interface (SAPI) 5.0 compatible. them. Representatives from Mental Health Services for older Currently, the complete ModelTalker System is in the early stages of people have been invited to this meeting to discuss the commercial development and we’re actively seeking beta testers. needs, gaps and present situation of service provision. For further information please visit: modeltalker.com There will also be a general update from the members of the Submitted by Geoffrey N. READ network and the work of groups across the city. If you would like to find out more about the network, attend The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC) the meeting or discuss joining please contact Carole HICKLING is a Charitable Support Group. PLC aims to offer support and care to at befriendingpcbc@btconnect.com or telephone (01752) the laryngectomees and their carers and families. 221933. For more information please click on this link. PLC also encourages understanding and support by the public. And, just for those who may not be aware... Many thanks Laryngectomy is the removal of the larynx and separation of the airway PTSC Team from the mouth, nose and oesophagus. The Laryngectomee breaths through the neck, a stoma. It is done in the cases of laryngeal cancer. S PEECH Synthesis Software Packages. We all know what it can be like to lose your voice when you need it most! As Secretary of the PLC it falls upon me to make verbal However, many laryngeal cancer cases are now treated only with radiation and chemotherapy, or other laser procedures, and Laryngectomy is performed when those treatments fail to conserve the larynx. reports about this and that at our monthly meetings so as to If you’re a Laryngectomee you would be most welcome to come keep all our Members up-to-date. I recently lost my voice along on your own or with your partner and / or Carer. and either had to have someone read out my reports or shelve them for a later date. In future I may use one of the Come join us! following software packages which are free to download: Our Members and Friends meet on the first Monday of every month. Do please see our website for further details. Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only) or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com 6