Do you need information on how to get hold of equipment if you have a disability or a short term need, for example, to get on and off the loo, or some such mundane but vital task? It can be very difficult to find out quickly and easily.
Some items you can buy, some can be provided through the NHS, other things such as housing alterations are the remit of Local Authority Social Care Services. There are different pathways for adults and children. In fact, the whole area of equipment needed to lead a normal daily life can feel like a series of hurdles to be overcome by the weary consumer.
The Patient Participation Group at Rye Medical Centre thought they might be able to help in some small way, so a member of the committee undertook to compile a simple leaflet of basic information. The idea is that this can be picked up from the centre’s reception desk, and give enquirers some basic facts about who supplies what, contact names and phone numbers and useful charities and local shops who can help.
In fact, it took a lot longer to finish than the author hoped and expected, but it is now complete and should very shortly be available at the desk. During the time it took to put together, there were positive changes to the opening times of the telephone lines to the major access point for help and information of what is now called Heath and Social Care Connect (formerly Social Care Direct). The telephone line 0345 6080191 is now open seven days a week and from 8am to 8pm. The change of name also reflects more joined-up thinking about services in health and social care locally
To give very brief version of the leaflet contents, it explains who provides what, and how you can get hold of things from Health and Adult Social Care that will help in managing daily life. It lists the names and addresses of a few local shops where you can order and buy your own small items, which are no longer provided by the statutory services, including things like long handled shoehorns and reachers. It explains who will help you to look at what you need and decide with you how best to get hold of it. All the equipment provided by health and social services has to fit certain criteria and is provided only after a health or social care professional has seen you.
The Patient Participation Group at Rye Medical Centre hopes that this leaflet will provide some help to the other patients and will be updating it regularly. If you are interested in joining this Group, new members are always welcome.
Photo: Gillian Roder