In April 2010, the NHS Help Card was launched as a region wide pilot across all NHS North East organisations following a successful pilot at City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust during August 2009.
The card features a blank panel on the front where people can write down any special requirements and a tick list of different languages on the reverse for those who cannot speak English, and will be available free to any patients who wish to have one, as well as relatives, friends and carers.
It will play an important part in helping us to realise our vision that ‘the NHS in north east England will be the leader in excellence in health improvement and healthcare services’ and in realising our seven clear aims to get us there:
• No barriers to health and wellbeing
• No avoidable deaths, injury or illness
• No avoidable suffering or pain
• No helplessness
• No unwanted waiting or delays
• No waste
• No inequality
How will the NHS Help Card do this?
By taking away some of the common problems people face when using their local NHS service for example; hearing an appointment being called; being guided where to go; supporting a relative; understanding the English language; caring for a disabled friend or relative and understanding what is happening for people who have a learning disability. The NHS Help Card will put the onus firmly on the NHS to respond and support patients whatever their query or concern.
For more information about the NHS Help Card and the region wide pilot, contact ben.murphy@tees.nhs.uk
