Sponsored by
Taking the stress out of hospital visits
A free kit designed to make hospital visits less stressful for people with hearing loss has been endorsed by GPs.
Created by Hertfordshire Hearing Advisory Service (HHAS), the kit is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.
It includes signs and badges for patients to attach to their hospital bed and wear on their gown, plus advice about NHS services.
Sandra Gower, of Bennetts End Surgery in Hemel Hempstead, said "The pack is a small thing that will make a big difference.
"It will help tackle fear among people with hearing loss and will improve understanding between hard-of-hearing patients and hospital
staff."
The kit was developed after reports from both the RNID and the NHS highlighted communication problems faced by people with hearing loss when accessing NHS services.
Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning, a HHAS patron, has also applauded its launch.
He said: "It is vital in a hospital environment that a patient fully understands what is happening to them and what is being explained to them.
"This simple kit is an innovative solution that will help make medical staff aware of the needs of deaf and hard of hearing patients."
A pilot run of 100 kits has been sponsored by Lloyds of London, but further sponsorship is needed.
For more information, or to obtain a hospital kit, contact the HHAS office on 01707 324 582 or info@hhas.org.uk.
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 4 C
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Wind direction: North west
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