Health Matters: Autistic Society conference

The Harrogate branch of the National Autistic Society (NAS), their parents and carers, are holding a conference this Friday, to help understand some of the issues that affect people with autism.

Psychologist Lynne Moxon, a leading light in the field of autism where she has been working for 25 years, will be discussing "Sex and relationship education for young people with autism".

NAS Branch Secretary Barbara Grant said: "Autism is a lifelong development disorder that affects around one in 100 people. This conference aims to give an insight into different people's experiences with the condition. Anyone who is interested is invited to come along – it will be a fun and informative day. Our branch offers support and information to people affected by autism and organises regular meetings and events."

The conference costs 35 for professionals and 15 for parents/carers or people affected with autism.

For more information, call 07824 473871 or email [email protected]. More information on the branch activities can be found at www.nas-harrogate.co.uk

Praise for nurses

NHS nurses in Leeds have been praised for contributing their expertise and examples of best practice to a new publication that demonstrates how significantly services are being improved while at the same time responding to the financial challenges currently faced by the NHS.

The High Impact Actions for Nursing and Midwifery: The Essential Collection, features a case study regarding end-of-life care delivered by district nurses at NHS Leeds Community Healthcare.

The team will also be taking part in a web seminar later this month to share their learning and be quizzed by NHS colleagues.

District nurses across Leeds have developed a framework of care for people reaching the end of their lives, helping 80 per cent of these patients to die at home.

For more information on The High Impact Actions for Nursing and Midwifery: The Essential Collection, visit the NHS Institute website at www.institute.nhs.uk/HIA