The
British Thyroid Foundation: Information for the medical profession
The British Thyroid Foundation became a registered charity in 1991 and
launched in 1992. Our principle aims
are:
·
To provide support to those with thyroid disorders and their families
·
To provide the sufferer and the medical profession with information
·
To establish regional support groups
·
To raise funds for research
The organisation was run on a
voluntary basis for the first 5 years.
A steady growth in membership led to increased activity, which in turn
led to dedicated offices and 3 staff being taken on, thus opening the door to
more opportunities to help those with thyroid disorders. Our work on behalf of the thyroid sufferer
is now carried out by our team of volunteers and employees, most of whom have
thyroid problems themselves, but who, having made a steady recovery, now wish
to be actively involved in helping others.
The British Thyroid Foundation team works with medical professionals in
order to bring an improved level of information and care to those with thyroid
disorders.
Over the years we have set up a substantial number of local support
groups, and seek to increase this network.
Our membership numbers which are now close to 7000, continue to grow and
since our establishment we have sent information to a further 5000. We have been invited on several occasions to
represent the patients’ perspective at medical meetings.
Funding of research activities is a very important area for us. Despite being a relatively small
organisation, since 1996 the British
Thyroid Foundation has contributed over £50,000 to research projects including
funds for an annual research project of £10,000, which is open to any medical
applicant. We have also provided travel bursaries, course fees, subsistence
expenses for UK students engaged in endocrine projects overseas, and have this
year funded the recently launched thyroid cancer patient information leaflets
produced by the British Thyroid Association and the Royal College of
Physicians. We also assist medical research in obtaining valuable data through
questionnaires distributed via our newsletters.
There is still much to be
done in the way of promoting awareness of thyroid illness, encouraging medical
research and assisting those suffering from thyroid illnesses. In the near future we would like to set up an
informative web page, and eventually to set up a helpline, as well as have
information available at hospitals throughout the UK. We also intend to continue to raise funds for much-needed
research into thyroid disorders.
We are keen to encourage
membership, not only from those with a thyroid disorder, but also amongst the
medical profession. If you wish to join
the BTF at the same time as paying your BTA subscription fee, we are able to
offer a reduction of the normal fee.
Details are given on the enclosed membership form. As a member of BTF you would receive a 16
page quarterly newsletter containing articles by medical professionals on
various aspects of thyroid disease as well as opinions and concerns of thyroid
sufferers about their condition and their treatment, and details of local
groups’ activities.
As well as becoming a member of the British Thyroid Foundation, we feel
you may be able to help us in several ways: by informing your patients about
the support we can offer them; by displaying our posters and introductory
leaflets (available on request); by contributing to our newsletter; and our
local groups would welcome your assistance and encouragement. Please do let us know if you feel you can
assist in any of the ways mentioned above.
By joining the BTF we hope you would gain an insight into the patients’
perspective of their disorders and we hope that you will support our work by
completing and returning the enclosed membership form.
http://www.btf-thyroid.org
Thank you.
Janis Hickey
Founder, Director and Secretary to the Trustees