Medibook initiative welcomed

Toko and Districts Lions club have joined together with St John Ambulance and Moss, Rocard and Smith Chemists to launch a new initiative aimed at helping people keep their medical information safely to hand.

The initiative consists of a booklet, "my medibook", inside a clear plastic sleeve that the holder can fill in with their relevant details and medical information such as medications taken and any medical conditions that they may have.

Jeff Morgan of the Toko and Districts Lions says that the idea for this grew out of an awareness of similar projects overseas. Rather than import something from another country, that would not be fully suited to New Zealand, Jeff says that the club decided to work on designing their own.

Jeff paid for the printing of the booklet, which they have done an original run of 200 copies of. He says that the printing was done locally by bcreative in Stratford and "they did a really good job on it".

Saying "we as a club couldn't afford to produce the whole thing alone" Jeff explains that they approached Moss, Rocard and Smith Chemists in Stratford and asked if they would like to be part of the initiative. The local store was happy to become involved and paid for the plastic sleeves that keep the booklets clean and safe. The sleeves also have magnets on the back, meaning that the valuable information can be kept on the fridge because, as Jeff says, "in an emergency I have yet to hear of anyone losing their fridge".

The group then also approached the local team at St John's, ensuring that their medics are now trained to look for the book when responding to a call. "Sometimes, in a highly stressful emergency, the caregiver for an ill person can't remember every bit of information" he says. Adding "in fact, sometimes they can't even talk, they are so worried and frightened".

Add to this, the chances of someone who is what Jeff terms "medication dependant" being on their own when they need medical assistance, and the value of the pack increases. "As long as the patient keeps their information up to date, then the medics attending will know which medications they are on and any medical conditions the person may have." He points out that in some cases this knowledge can be "life saving".

The booklets are available from Moss, Rocard and Smith Chemists, Dr Jordaan's clinic on Regan Street and Avon Medical Centre, all in Stratford. Jeff asks that people make a donation to the Toko Lions by putting their money into the collecting tins by the booklets, as it is by the money raised by donations that the project will be able to fund itself.

The Stratford Press has made a donation to the Toko and District Lions and therefore has two My Medibooks to give away. To be in to win a copy, email editor@stratfordpress.co.nz or call 06 765 5471 and tell us what else you keep stuck on your fridge. Entries in by 9am Monday 25 March please.

Our second copy will be given away through our Facebook page - Like us on Facebook to find out how you can win that one.