Notes of the Disability Consultation Panel Held on Monday 26 September 2016 at 10.30am In, The Boardroom, the Cottage, Ballymena

Transcription

1 Notes of the Disability Consultation Panel Held on Monday 26 September 2016 at 10.30am In, The Boardroom, the Cottage, Ballymena Present: Elizabeth Black, Ballymena Access Ken Boyle, Newtownabbey Mental Health Group Lyn Campbell, Carers NI Claire Campbell, Susan Campbell, British Deaf Association Ursula Campbell, Compass Advocacy Network John Carberry, service user Ann Collins, Mobilise Elaine Coulter, NHSCT Acute Services Rep George Gorman, Ballee Visually Impaired Club David Humphreys, Arthritis Care Alison Irwin, NHSCT Rosemary McAuley, Ballee Visually Impaired Club Samuel McAuley, Ballee Visually Impaired Club Clair McLaughlin, Ballymoney Community Resource Centre Shea O Hara, Sensory Support Team Thomas Quigley, Jordanstown School Marlene Ritchie, NHSCT, Physical Disability Rep Elizabeth Taylor, Guide Dogs for the Blind Torie Tennant, Guide Dogs for the Blind Frank Warwick, Ballee Visually Impaired Club In Attendance: Jackie Orr, interpreter Alison McElvogue, interpreter Dolores Scullion, Capital Development Item Mrs Irwin welcomed members to the meeting and introductions were made. 1

2 1. Apologies Jane Brady, NHSCT Human Resources rep Shaun Canny, RNIB Joy Hammond, NHSCT Mental Health rep John Nicholl, Deafblind user Elvin Simpson, Autism Reference Group Chris Tay, NIAMH Advocacy Rep 2. Artwork in Ballymena Health and Care Centre The resident Trust artist, Helen Bradbury is running a project on design the artwork to be on display in the Health and Care Centre. The local primary and post primary schools have been involved in the work for the Children s areas. Dolores Scullion informed members that the aim is to have the remaining artwork in the building designed by service users. Mrs Irwin informed members that the Trust was runner up in a regional award which commended the engagement with service users on the development of the health and care centre. Miss Tennant suggested that getting involved in the artwork of the Centre was another good opportunity to be involved. It was suggested that local groups can be involved or the Panel could work on a combined project. The project will run until end of March Information on what is required will go out to members separately and anyone who is interested should contact the. 2

3 3. Notes of last meeting 6 June 2016 The attendance of Trust staff was discussed at the last meeting however it was agreed that the new Terms of Reference (tabled on agenda later) will detail exactly the role of Trust representatives. Visual Awareness Training as agreed at the previous meeting Visual Awareness Training would be provided by Thomas Quigley and John Nicholl would provide Deafblind training. Dates to be arranged but focus on the staff from Sensory Support teams. Mr Quigley also suggested that alongside the Disability Training provided by the Trust, a specialist disability session should be arranged each year. All Panel members agreed. Letter to Pharmacies the letter to be issued again, there has been a delay in being issued over the summer due to changes in how we disseminate information to Pharmacies and GP practices. Ballymena Health and Care Centre Dolores Scullion advised that the new Braille signage was up and Panel members were welcome to call in at any point and carry out a spot check. Efforts have been made to keep a space in the waiting area for wheelchairs users and this is being monitored. Ms Black reported the pull cord being tied too high in disabled toilets, Ms Scullion will follow up. Ms Scullion also updated that there is currently no contract for the use of self-propelling wheelchairs and this is still an issue for the Trust due to risks involved and maintenance. As it is not a hospital the Health and Care Centre does not have allocated porters but this is being monitored. 3

4 Mr Carberry queried how many buildings across the Trust have a loop system and do staff know how to work them. Ms Ritchie explained to Panel members the difference between a tannoy and a loop system that people with hearing aids use. This should be included in staff training. The minutes of the last meeting were agreed by all. The minutes will be uploaded to the Trust s website. 4. Terms of Reference The previous Terms of Reference were agreed in 2010 so all present decided they needed updated to reflect the views of the new membership. Panel members agreed that three to four achievable aims would be the focus of the Terms of Reference. For example, the Panel would: - Represent the views of all disabled people - Aim to reduce the stigma and labelling of people with disabilities throughout the Trust - Work together with the Trust to create an accessible environment for everyone - Lead the way in encouraging best practice and excellent ways of being accessible - Be a positive force for change in all areas of disability - Educate staff and each other Panel members also agreed that they want the right Trust reps around the table and were happy that if they want any particular team or member of staff invited, they should request this before the next meeting. Members also agreed that the Panel has a responsibility to educate Trust staff on service user experience and disabilities. The new Terms of Reference will be discussed at the next meeting. 5. Recent Consultations Take-A-Break consultation (on the outcome of our review of short breaks for adults with a learning disability and their carers) is currently out for consultation. Any comments must be received by 28 November

5 6. Local Issues Ballee Visually Impaired Club are holding their annual concert on 20 October at 7.30pm in the Mitchelin Club in Ballymena. Ursula Campbell informed Panel members that Ballymoney Base fixers have helped bring audible traffic lights to Ballymoney. Mr Carberry thanked those from sensory support services for the great weekend away they arranged in Corrymeela for deaf service users. 7. Any Other Business Since the meeting in June, the submitted a proposal to the Public Health Agency for the involvement of the Panel in the development Ballymena Health and Care Centre. The proposal came runner-up. 8. Date of Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Monday 5 December 2016 at 10.30am in the Boardroom, The Cottage. MINUTES FORMALLY AGREED & SIGNED OFF BY CHAIR Signed:... Date: 5