 Lincolnshire LINk Transition to HealthWatch Visual Impairment Report

 Key differences  Pathfinder proposal– opportunity to develop a model that addresses the unique challenges of this county  Work together to achieve a HealthWatch that works for Lincolnshire  October 2012

 Partnership Working ◦ South Lincs Blind Society ◦ Lincoln & Lindsey Blind Society ◦ Lincolnshire Visual Impairment Services ◦ Action for Blind People ◦ Sense  468 Completed surveys  20% Response rate

Hospital GP  Dealing with correspondence 23%24%  Being identified as a patient with sight loss 10%15%  Accessing or navigating the premises 12%11%  Knowing when it is your turn11%16%  Dealing with Prescriptions/Medication11%12%  Communicating with the medical staff 8%5%  Making Appointments 6%11%  Cancelling Appointments4%5%

“directions given are 'over here' instead of turn right or left, I have to regularly point out that I have a vision problem” “They never send me letters in large print so I cannot read telephone numbers to contact the hospital to change appointments” “Layout of waiting areas, poorly lit and arranged, very confusing” “I have to rely on relatives to get to the hospital and they are working people” “I cannot see screen to be called. I cannot read prescriptions”

 Simple adjustments to systems and ways of working  Lack of understanding  Reliance on Carers  Transport  Good practice

 Review of services underway within - United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust Lincolnshire Community Health Services Trust  NHS Lincolnshire – Public & Patient Experience Steering Group GPs Communication Gateway  National Vision Strategy

Questions & Suggestions Facebook – HealthWatch Lincolnshire LINk