McMillan Welcomes Further Support for blind and partially sighted people

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has won praise for carrying out a far-reaching review of how to make its services more accessible to blind and partially sighted people.

Following consultations with the Glasgow-based sight loss society Visibility, the health board has pledged to ensure all patients receive information in formats such as audio and braille within a set time of requesting it.

Other moves to be implemented include piloting a volunteer ‘meet and greet’ service for patients with sight loss, particularly for those attending eye clinic appointments; enhancing the availability of the existing patient support service at Gartnavel General Hospital and New Victoria Hospital, and reviewing the additional support that voluntary organisations can provide.

West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan, chair of the Scottish Parliament's cross-party group on visual impairment, commended the move, saying;

"This is a very welcome development and shows the best of the public and voluntary sectors working together to improve the accessibility of services.  

“I commend NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for the engagement they have done, and the important steps they have taken to improve access for blind and partially sighted people."

Previously, focus groups conducted by the health board with visually impaired people had highlighted concerns that included a lack of awareness of their particular needs and a lack of patient information in accessible formats.

Fiona Sandford, chief executive of Visibility, said: 

"Accessing NHS information can be a significant challenge for many blind and partially sighted people. We were delighted to ask to collaborate with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to develop guidelines for staff and new signage policy for hospitals.  The application of the guidelines will make a massive difference to blind and partially sighted people attending hospitals and clinics. 

"Blind and partially sighted people were consulted and engaged in drawing up these guidelines and we are confident this will have a positive impact."

Anne Taylor from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde: 

“There are around 20,000 people with a visual impairment using health and care services in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and it is important that they have the best possible experience of and access to this support.

“We are committed to improving our services. As a result, the health board - in partnership with Visibility and RNIB Scotland - has developed best practice guidelines for all our staff. People with sensory impairment have also been consulted in the development of these.  The guidelines will help improve communication for patients, visitors, carers and others with sensory impairment. They outline what needs to be addressed to meet the needs of visually impaired people and promote safe, effective practice.”