| David lends his support to the Haringey Phoenix Group |
| Friday, 19 February 2010 |
Trust works with MP and campaigners to improve services for blind and partially sighted patients
North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust has made a renewed commitment to the care of blind and partially sighted people by increasing the font size of hospital appointment letters for eye clinic patients. The changes – which are part of a new review of patient information - support the Royal Institute for the Blind’s ‘Losing Patients’ campaign.
The local campaign, which fits with our number one aim of improving the patient experience, has been pioneered by the Haringey Phoenix Group which works with and for blind and partially sighted people, and the Enfield Association for the Blind. It has received the support of David Lammy, MP for Tottenham.
Theresa Murphy, Interim Nursing Director, said: “We are delighted to be contributing to such a worthwhile campaign. Feedback from patients, campaign groups and David Lammy MP has shown that a review of hospital appointment letters is needed and we are committed to improving the care that these and all patients’ receive.”
Our £123 million new hospital development, opening in June, has already taken into account the needs of patients who are blind or partially sighted with representatives involved in developing wayfinding signs and symbols to go across the site, directing patients to their location. The campaigning support groups already visit the eye clinic in order to support patients coming for their appointments and this campaign can only strengthen our relationship with blind or partially sighted patients.”
David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, said: “I am committed to improving local healthcare services for residents in Tottenham and I am pleased that the hospital has made these necessary changes for the benefit of blind and partially sighted people.
“I personally support the principles behind the campaign and will be closely monitoring the progress of the hospital and all other local NHS Trusts in order to ensure that the needs of their patients’ are being met.”
A spokesperson for both Haringey Phoenix Group and the Enfield Association for the Blind said: “We are really pleased that the hospital has shown their renewed commitment to what the campaign stands for. It’s everyone’s legal right to request hospital information in a format accessible to them. No patient should be missing vital healthcare appointments because they cannot read hospital information and simple changes will make all the difference to our members.
“We know that the Trust has already shown their commitment to blind and partially sighted patients and we will continue to work with the hospital and other local healthcare providers to ensure that the needs of their patients’ are being met.”
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