Burns support groups

Burns (1984). 10, 444-446

Printed in Great Britain

Letters to the Editor

Dear Sir, BURNS

SUPPORT

GROUPS

Three support groups for burns victims have been formed in England since 1980. These are based at Nottingham, Billericay, Essex and East Grinstead, Sussex. The ‘Billericay Burns Club’ was formed in March 1983 following the experiences of a victim of burning injury treated by the Billericay Burn Unit in 1982 who needed to speak to somebody who had experienced similar burns and the problems that arose as a result of the injuries. He found no organization in existence, so after much discussion and letter writing the ‘Billericay Burns Club’ was formed. When one is burnt the effects on one’s self confidence are to say the least ‘shattering’, particularly if one has scarring of the face. For the burns victim’s family the worry is of not knowing what to expect, or how they and the victim will cope, especially after leaving the relatively ‘safe’ confines of the hospital. These problems are far more acute when the victim is a child which also, therefore, has a devastating effect on the parents. In this one area alone a support group can be invaluable. All the existing groups consist of people who have been burned themselves or have daily contact with burn victims, in their own families or as members of staff at the various hospitals. We hope that we will be able from our experiences to help in the comfort of the families and to try and dispel any fears they may be experiencing. Members of the group arc available to talk or perhaps just listen to the burn victim or their family and to provide any assistance that may be required. The Burns Clubs have funds available with which we can provide such financial support as perhaps the initial travelling expenses or the immediate problems when the victim is self employed. Perhaps there are difficulties arranging a baby sitter, members of the club are always willing to help.

Each of the ‘Burns Support Groups’ is a voluntary self-help group, with the aim of supporting the burn victim and their relatives particularly after discharge from hospital but we would not be able to function without the invaluable help and support of all the staff in our base hospitals. We need a very close liasion with the members of staff in our respective ‘Burns Units’, particularly in the matter of informing the patient and family of the existence of such groups and the possible benefits that can be obtained. There are many more problems related to adjusting to the aftermath of a burn injury, too numerous to mention in this letter. I would, therefore, urge you to support any moves made to set up such a group in your area. Not just in terms of ‘getting things off the ground’, it is also essential to acquire the professional back-up needed for these groups to function in such a way that whatever the problem regarding ‘burns’, there is somebody ready to help. If you would like more information or help to start a group in your area, please write to one of these addresses: Billericay Burns Club (B.B.C.), c/o The Burn Unit, St Andrew’s Hospital, Stock Road, Billericay, Essex CM 12 OBH. McIndoe Burns Supporters (M.B.S), Queen Victoria Hospital, Holtye Road, East Grinstead, Sussex RH 19 302. Burns Unit Self Help (B.U.S.H.), c/o Burn Unit, The City Hospital, Hucknell Road, Nottingham NGS 1PD. Yours faithfully A. M. Pearson Chairman Billericay Burns Club