• Consultant, advisor, chair, advocate, partner, and representative -

    Lived experience as patient, carer, and care-coordinator -

    Interests: health system resilience, digital health engagement;

    Providing strategic input at intersection of health and technology,

    Enabling person-centered, technology-assisted co-production.

  • HEALTH SECTOR ACTIVITIES

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    Axolotl Associates

    Managing Partner 2013 - Present

    Healthcare sector lay advisory and patient advocacy services on both paid and pro bono basis - UK and EU Portfolio follows

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    Healthcare Transformation Academy Advisory Board 2021 - Present

    Providing on-demand education to healthcare professionals

    EIT Health Innovators Community 2021 - Present

    Multi-disciplinary community of innovators building the future of healthcare

    EIT Expert Evaluator 2020 - Present

    Campus Call 2021 + Education Call 2022

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    NHS England

    Public Member, SRAG Stakeholder Research Advisory Group 2024 - Present

    (Ex RAG - NHS Research Advisory Group - four nations)

    Chair/Past Chair Patient and Public Voice Group 2017 - Present

    Several Clinical Review Panels, eg Moorfields (Project Oriel) Clinical Review

    Council Member, Clinical Senate Council, London 2018 - 2021

    Strategic advice and guidance to commissioners and other stakeholders

    Public Board Member, AHPs into Action Programme 2018-2022

    Allied Health Professionals into Action Programme + AHP Digital Health Forum

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    Lay Lead/Member, Technology Appraisal Committee A 2018 - Present

    Lay Member, Public Information Programme Expert Panel 2020 - Present

    Lay Member, Equality Task and Finish Group 2020 - 2023

    Lay Member, Stakeholder Insight Group 2019 - 2022

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    Public Member, HTA Prioritisation Panel (Hospital Based Care) 2018 - 2023

    Co-Chair, NETSCC Patient and Public Involvement Reference Group 2020 - 2022

    Lay Expert, College of Experts, NIHR COVID-19call 2020 - 2022

    Evidence Reviewer (exRater) , CED Centre for Engagement and Dissemination 2017 - Present

    Proposal Reviewer, CCF Central Commissioning Facility 2017 - Present

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    Patient & Public Community (PPC) 2024 - Present

    Innovative Devices Access Pathway IDAP Pilot Selection Panel 2023- 2024

    Medical Devices Regulations Group (MDRG) 2022 - 2023

    Patient Engagement Strategy Reference Group 2020

    Patient Group Consultative Forum (PGCF) 2018 - 2024

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    Public Governor for Kensington and Chelsea 2017 - Present 

    Council of Governors - Elected 2017, re-elected 2020, re-elected 2023

    Nominations and Remuneration Committee 2018 - Present

    NETWORKS/PROJECTS

     

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    Research Activities Quinquennial Review Panel 2024- Present

    Patient and Public Advisory Group 2018 - Present

    O Negative First Responder

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    NHS-Galleri Advisory Group  2022 - Present

    Focus group with useMYdata for NHS-Galleri Trial

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    EUPATI Representative 2023 - Present

    ERA4Health Partnership: Fostering a European Research Area for Health Research.

    Increasing European transnational collaborative research funding by creating funding body for joint programming in priority areas addressing European public health needs. 33 partners, 27 funding organisations - 22 countries with common goal: fostering high-impact translational research to address public health needs
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    Patient Representative 2022 - Present
    Multi-stakeholder initiative bringing stakeholders together to agree what real-world data could be collected for highly innovative technologies to generate real-world evidence that informs decisions by healthcare systems (HTA/payers), clinicians and patients.

     

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    European Patients' Academy on Therapeutic Innovation
    Fellow 2021 - Present
    Training Fellow  2019-2021

     

     

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    Executive Group Member 2021 - Present

    Sharing patient data to help others, ensuring effective safeguards - confidentiality + anonymity of data

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    Patient and Citizen Involvement Group PCIG 2020 - Present
    Pooling patients and citizens, patient advocates, patient engagement consultants, clinicians, researchers (eg statisticians and economists), HTA agencies, government, industry and others.
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    Patient Expert, Pool of Experts 2022 - Present 

    EU public-private partnership funding health research and innovation

    Successor to IMI Innovative Medicines Initiative

     

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    Patient Representative 2023 - Present
    Research Presentation Awards Judge
    ISPOR Europe 23, Copenhagen, Denmark
    Awarded Patient Representative Travel Grant
    ISPOR - International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research
    (The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research)
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    Patient Fellow  2024 - Present
    Speaker, DIA Europe 2024 in Brussels

    DIA a global association that mobilizes life science professionals across all areas to engage with patients, peers and thought leaders in neutral environment on today's issues and tomorrow's possibilities.

     

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    Academy of Medical Royal Colleges AoMRC

    Academy Projects Patient Network 2022 - Present

    Clinical Trials for Rare Diseases Project 2022

    Academy of Medical Royal Colleges speaks on standards of care and medical education across the UK.

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    Patient Partner 2018 - Present

    Patient and family advisors helping to improve Canadian healthcare

    Collaborating with healthcare providers, researchers, administrators, and policymakers.

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    Mental Health First Aider 2018 - Present
    Our vision is to improve the mental health of the nation .
    This has never before been needed so much.

     

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    Lay Panelist: 2017 - Present

    Neuroscience Panel, BRC Biomedical Research Centre

    Patient and Public Panel, UCLH

     

    PREVIOUS ROLES/PROJECTS

     

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    Community Pioneer 2021 - 2024

    Open, international, and diverse coproduction community

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    NHS Innovation Accelerator NIA

    Interviewer,  NIA Fellowship 2018 - 2024

    The Academic Health Science Networks Network, 15 AHSNs operating as the key innovation arm of the NHS

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    Patient Expert Board 2021 - 2023

    Collaborative task force with patients to develop Patient Engagement plan around new research site - from research process to architectural elements in the new site, accessibility, etc.

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    Lived Experience Partner, Beneficial Changes Network 2020 - 2023

    Beneficial Changes Network (BCN) was a collaborative group of health + social care stakeholders and people with lived experience who wanted to harness and capture the benefits of changes that had taken place through COVID-19 and beyond and evaluate these changes, to share the knowledge and embed the learning of local experiences across the entire health and care sector.

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    COVID-19 Evidence Network for Supporting Decision-making McMaster Health Forum, Canada

    Prioritisation Committee 2020 - 2021

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    European Patient Expert  2018 - 2023

    Initially UK Patient Expert then European Patient Expert

    Patient Member, Scientific Advice Working Groups

     

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    Member, Involvement Leads Network 2017 - 2022

     

    Academic Health Science Network - NHS, academia, local authorities, third sector, and industry: facilitate change to improve outcomes for patients.

     

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    Facilitator 2021

    Primary Care Digital Health Evidence Pitching Event

    DigitalHealth.London Accelerator Programme

     

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    Oversight Group Member, Public Dialogue on Data for Public Benefit 2020 - 2021

    Assess public attitudes on use and dissemination of healthcare data to researchers and scientists in public and private companies

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    Remote Credentialing Task and Finish Group 2020 - 2021

    Remote Credentialing Task and Finish Group

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    Patient Reference Group 2021 
    Development / implementation of the Government’s response to IMMDS Review - Challenge, Advice and Scrutiny to the Government’s response to the Review.
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    Member, Kensington and Chelsea Committee 2019 - 2021

    Central West London Branch, Healthwatch 2017 - Present

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    NHSx

    Public Member, NHSx National Data Collaborative 2019 - 2021

    National Data Collaborative for Health and Social Care

    + Information Governance IG Working Group

     

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    Patient and Stakeholder Group 2020 - 2021

    Federation of 34 General Practices in Westminster caring for more than 246,000 registered patients.

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    Patient Expert, Pool of Experts 2019 - 2022

    World's biggest public-private partnership in the life sciences

    Moved to IHI Innovative Health Initiative

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    Patient / Public Member 2019 - 2021

    Google Health PUG - Patient User Group

    Dissolved with phasing down of Google Health

     

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    Patient and Public Advisory Group 2018 - 2021

    Health and social care policy-making with a focus on interactions between the health and social care systems.

     

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    Patient and Carer Network PCN 2017 – 2021

    Patient Involvement Unit, Network of volunteers who support and shape the work of the RCP

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    Patient / Public Member 2017 - 2019

    Deep Mind Health - Patient / Public Involvement & Engagement Group

    Transitioned to Google Health

     

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    Digital Patient Reference Group 2017 - 2022

    Medical Curriculum Review Group  2018 - 2020

    Strategic Lay Forum 2016 - 2020

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    Participant/Facilitator/Speaker 2017 - 2020

    Training: Systems Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, Digital Leadership, Capitol People, Artificial Intelligence, Effective Lay Partner

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    JDR Champion 2017 - 2020

    LEARN to help people Join Dementia Research

     

    Dementia Friends Champion, Alzheimers Society

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    Lay Representative: 2017 - 2020

    Value Added Quality Council

    Patient Experience Coordinating Committee

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    Chair, Patient Participation Group PPG  2011 - 2021

    Belgrave Medical Centre, Westminster. GP Partnership dissolved in 2021

     

    PRIOR EXPERIENCE

     

     

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    Zoological Society of London + FZS

    Vice President, Trustee and Council Member 2003 - 2013

    Also Finance + Remuneration + Strategy committees

     

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    Royal Institution of Great Britain + FRI

    Trustee and Council Member 2005 - 2011

    Also Audit (Chair) + Nomination committees

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    Royal United Services Institute + FRUSI

    Trustee and Council Member 2007 - 2010

    Also Executive + Finance committees

     

    Consultant + FAC + FRSA + FLS

    Independent Policy Advisor 1998 - 2013

    European/American security and conservation policy

    [Also Partner at DA Ventures]

     

    French Armed Forces

    Military Liaison Officer MLO  1981 - 1998

    Attachments/secondments on five continents

    [including two years at NY Investment Bank]

     

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  • SKILLS

    Health Policy

    Change Management

    Strategic Planning

    Governance

    Financial Analysis

    Networking

    Patient/Public Perspectives

    Technology Uptake

  • CONTINUING EDUCATION

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    Lay Fellow 2018 - Present

    Also elected member of the Medicine and Society Council

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    Training Fellow 2019 - 2021, Fellow 2021 - Present

    1 Discovery of Medicines & Planning of Medicines Development; 2 Non-Clinical Testing & Pharmaceutical Development; 3 Exploratory & Confirmatory Clinical Development; 4 Clinical Trials; Regulatory Affairs, Medicinal Product Safety, 5 Pharmacovigilance & Pharmacoepidemiology, 6 HTA Principles & Practices.

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    Participant/Facilitator/Speaker 2017 - 2020

    Training: Systems Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, Digital Leadership, Capitol People, Artificial Intelligence, Effective Lay Partner

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    Fellow  2017 - 2018

    Improvement Leader Fellowship

    Activities: Applied Improvement science, Collaborative Learning Events

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    PGC (Distinction) European American Security 1996 - 1998

    Activities: Schloss Hofen, Österreich, Chateau de Klingenthal, Alsace

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    PhD programme Psychology 1994 - 1998.

    "Decision-making under stress in conditions of risk and uncertainty". Thesis not submitted after TBI, also Teaching Assistant/Demonstrator

    Activities: 

    President: Birkbeck Students Union BCL, Deputy-President: University of London Union ULU, Board Member: London Nightline

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    BSc (Hons) Psychology 1991 - 1994

    Evening degree, also WPF Diploma in Counselling
    Activities: Birkbeck College Governor + London University Senator

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    PGCE course Business Studies 1988 - 1989

    Teaching A level Economics and Business Studies

    Activities: Diversity and equality groups, also p/t MLO

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    MA course War Studies 1985 - 1987

    Dissertation: "Warfare as driver of technology", also p/t MLO

    Activities: Instructor, college sub-aqua club

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    BSc (Econ) (Hons) Accounting and Financial Management 1981 - 1983

    On scholarship, also p/t service as MLO

    Activities: Oxford University Officers Training Corps

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    Diploma (Legal Studies)  

    First year Assas (Paris II), then via correspondence Panthéon (Paris I).

    Activities: Scuba-diving club, (+ paralegal for Ashurst Morris Crisp on IBM's EC Antitrust Case Rebuttal 1981), also p/t Military Training

  • REFERENCES

     

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    Prof Suzanne Rastrick OBE

    Chief Allied Health Professions Officer, NHS England

    Richard sat as an external 'patient & public voice' member of the NHS England programme board overseeing implementation of the AHP Strategy for England. He added considerable value through excellent preparation before meetings, which enabled him to offer incisive and relevant questions of members, with observations based in lived experience. He possesses excellent scrutiny, analysis and challenge in such board forums.

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    Dr Simone Botti

    CEO at Metabomed Ltd

    While working with Richard on a project for the RI, I was exposed to his depth of knowledge and experience in an exceptionally broad range of disciplines, and to his selfless commitment to issues and projects that he championed. Since then I have been looking for other opportunities to work with Richard again.

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    Dr Marc Fehlmann

    Past: Director General, Basel Historical Museum

    Richard is an extremely astute strategic and financial adviser. He has been highly committed to the arts and their funding. We were most impressed with his ability to draw on his varied connections in multiple networks to consistently achieve excellent results. Richard is a highly cultivated and most charming individual and patron. I recommend him fully - without reservation

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    Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham

    Consultant to Airbus Helicopters and Airbus UK

    I worked with Richard as a fellow Trustee at the RUSI for several years. I found him to be an excellent colleague, with very good judgement and insight as well as deep knowledge of the financial and governance issues involved in trusteeship. He is very clear and articulate and is prepared to take on difficult issues with both courage and common sense. I enjoyed working with him and respected and trusted him totally.

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    Rachel Mathews

    Programme Manager at National Voices

    I worked with Richard while I was leading the Patient and Public Involvement Theme in a National Institute for Health Research-funded project. I enjoyed working with him and Richard is a thoughtful and reflective person who brings personal and professional experience and insight to his roles. Richard is confident working with people from different backgrounds and is respectful and curious in his approach. He cares about the quality of healthcare and is interested in scientific developments. I'd be happy to work with him again!

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    Dr Martin Cooke

    Head of Corporate Engagement at World Animal Protection

    I have worked closely with Richard on ZSL Council and in the Finance and General Purposes Committee. Richard is insightful and determined, a source of clear and well reasoned advice.

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    Stephen Kingsley Esq

    Partner at Keystone Law

    I have known and worked with for some eight years. Richard was a valued member of the Council of the Chelsea Society, where his deep and varied knowledge was greatly appreciated.

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    Dr Gwynneth Flower

    Past: Hon Treasurer, Royal Institution, Chair, National Meteorological Programme

    I have known Richard for more than 10 years and have always held him in high regard. He is an astute and very capable business manager with wide ranging contacts and equivalent experience. He works well in every situation in which I have observed and can get on well with all types of people. His commercial experience is extensive and I value his views and contributions to business development.

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    John Norton Esq (Requeiscat in Pace)

    Past: Lay Partner at North West London Lay Partner Group

    Richard who I have now worked with long enough to appreciate his talents brings enormous value to any activity which is fortunate enough to have his input. He is already involved with a considerable number of important health oriented institutions and groups. I know that anybody who is looking for a person dedicated to the interests of the individual patient would be wise to have Richard by their side.

  • PSMG

    ProprioSpinal Myoclonus Group

    Group both for people with the rare disorder PSM and for those involved in relevant research

    Propriospinal myoclonus (PSM) is a rare type of spinal myoclonus characterized by muscle jerks that usually start in the midthoracic segments and then slowly propagate up and down into the spinal cord, resulting in repetitive and irregular jerky flexion, or extension of the trunk, neck, knees and hips. PSM can be symptomatic, but up to 80% of reported cases appear idiopathic. PSM tends to occur especially while the subject is lying down. PSM at sleep onset was first described by experts in sleep medicine.

    The original electrophysiological features included fixed pattern of muscle activations, slow spinal cord conduction (5–15 m/s), electromyographic burst duration less than 1000 ms, synchronous activation of agonist and antagonist muscles and no involvement of facial muscles. PSM has been reported to be a functional (psychogenic) movement disorder in a number of cohorts. The differential diagnosis between idiopathic PSM and the functional forms is not always straightforward. A consistent polymyographically documented muscle activation pattern may be supportive but by no means sufficient and additional neurophysiological investigations are required.

    PSM should be differentiated from other movement disorders involving the abdomen and trunk, or occurring at sleep–wake transition. Elena Antelmi et al,

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087079214001178

    Get in Touch with Richard

    APHANTASIA

  • Selected Projects

     

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    Barcelona 15-18.3.24

    PANEL 2:50pm • Day Two
    Cultivate Diversity, Amplify Voices: Broaden Patient Partnerships Across Pharma

    Bronwyn Lewis, Global Head of Patient Engagement, Boehringer Ingelheim
    Richard Ballerand, Patient Advocate, EUPATI Fellow, EUPATI
    Denis Onyango, Programmes Director, Africa Advocacy Foundation
    Moderator: Lisbeth Snede, Founder, Patients Unite

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    Sustainibility, Collaboration, and Innovation

    2024 Conference, Brussels 12-15.3.24. Awarded Patient Fellowship

     

    Panelist - Levelling the interaction between Patients and European National Competent Authorities (NCAs) - Challenges & Possible Pitfalls
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    HEOR - Health Economics and Outcomes Research

     

    2023 Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark - 12-18.11.23

    Awarded Patient Representative Travel Grant

    Research poster Presentation Awards Judge

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    Harnessing the patient voice to build confidence in the use of patient data to save lives and improve outcomes

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    Better patient care pathways and models of care can be leveraged from the use of data

  • Aphantasia Adepts

    Aphantasia Information Page

    1

    Personal Journey

    Awareness of 

    Mind's Eye Deficit - Post TBI Traumatic Brain Injury and PSM Propriospinal Myoclonus

    2

    Support Groups

    4

    Event

    5

    Research Funding

    Future avenues of research with possible funding sources

  • LET'S CHAT

    CURRENTLY ON GREENWICH MEAN TIME

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    +44 7702 877 490

     

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    @RMBallerand