They got in touch with us as they were reviewing their quality objectives to improve vision impaired patients’ experience.
Clients from SRSB/RSS made up a focus group to give feedback on challenges they encounter while visiting or staying in hospital, such as communication (for example, screens being used to call people to appointments, or staff saying ‘follow me’ and then walking away) and practicalities (for example, knowledge around assistance dogs). Many topics were covered, with staff listening and taking on board our clients’ perspectives in many scenarios. Hearing real life challenges from people with lived experience always ignites many problem-solving ideas and discussions.
Collaboration between our client group and staff from the hospital resulted in a ‘Toolbox’ for staff to access relevant equipment and information, for example, signature guides, thick tip pens, high contrast tape, guidance on downloading apps, literature about SRSB and about Charles Bonnet Syndrome, large print activity packs and audio books.
Also suggested for inclusion in the ‘Toolbox’ were leaflets/posters that we had previously helped the School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery, at the University of Sheffield to develop following research with our clients, that included tips for healthcare staff on how they can help a vision impaired patient when they are in hospital, and also tips for patients and family members for a hospital visit if someone has a vision impairment. This project (called ‘Hello, I’m Here’) resulted in the University winning a prestigious award ‘University of Sheffield Knowledge Exchange and Impact Award 2025 Outstanding partnership or impact in health/welfare/wellbeing’.
To help reinforce awareness of the implementation of the above initiatives, we delivered Visual Impairment Awareness (VIA) Training to staff and have recently heard that the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals would like us to extend our training delivery to another 15 sessions. We hope this will be a regular feature in both our calendars to ensure that this work continues.
We’ve also provided VIA Training for Rotherham GPs and are developing workplace assessments in local surgeries, for total inclusion for both patients and employees.
We’re also currently awaiting confirmation to train every member of staff in over 28 GP surgeries.
This collaboration has resulted in something very powerful that will hopefully make a big difference for many VI people’s healthcare journey, now and into the future, with our ambition being that this training will be considered mandatory throughout South Yorkshire.