Visual News - Issue 5, Winter 2010 - Southern Health and Social ...

The Trust Access Working Group, by Margaret Bennett.The Trust Access Working Group comprises of hearing andvisually impaired service users, carers and key workers within theSouthern Trust area.Presently we meet once a month in Cherrytrees Resource Centre,Portadown. The meetings are chaired by, Mr. Pat McAteer, head ofsensory disability services.Background work has already started which will ensure all serviceusers have a hassle-free appointment when visiting staff at theirGP's surgery and out-patient and in-patients clinics.In the not too distant future it is hoped that all appointmentsreceived in print by service users will be presented in theappropriate format according to the service users specified needs.It is also hoped that training, primarily at the meet and greet stagewill also be carried out.When the proposed changes are implemented the care andrespect shown by the medical professionals to the service usersshould be more helpful and their visit less of an ordeal.Page 19 of 38