Issue 2 Page 3

Do you want to contribute to changes in how healthcare is delivered? During 2001 the ALF will be undertaking a special project in collaboration with the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand with the development of clinical practice guidelines for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The purpose of the guidelines is to improve the quality of healthcare. The ALF is seeking expressions of interest from individuals who would be interested in being the 'consumer representative' on the COPD Guidelines Steering Committee. You will be required to attend 3 to 4 meetings per year (travel expenses paid), and to review documents and contribute the consumer's perspective to the process. The committee will be made up of a range of health professionals who represent their discipline and perspective on COPD. Please contact Lara on 1800 654 301 to register your interest.

Amongst the mayhem and merry-go-round of clinical visits to this consultant and that technician, the carer is quite often forgotten. LungNet supports both patient and carer. We are reminded of the strength of our carers when we reflect on the efforts of Anne Tammens (photo on page 5). Anne is the wife and carer of L.I.P.S. member, Renger of Wynyard. Being a carer in itself is a very demanding task, and in Anne's case is made more so by the heart surgery that she has undergone. Anne somehow copes without any home help and still found time recently to be an Olympic Torchbearer. Anne is a true inspiration to us all.

In closing, I would like to point out that this Newsletter could not be a success without the invaluable contribution of material received from each of the three regional groups. I sincerely thank you for supporting this initiative in information sharing throughout the State.

Stay safe and have a great Christmas.

Carer’s chat will be held each Wednesday night in the Carers Chat room which can be found on http://www.ozcarers.zzn.com. This is also a great site to start exploring caring on the web.