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 British Sign Language software in general practice
British Sign Language software in general practiceSignHealth is a new computer program that healthcare professionals in general practice can use to assist communication with British Sign Language (BSL) users. The general practitioner, nurse or receptionist chooses what they want to ask a patient from a list of questions on the computer screen. The computer then shows a video clip of someone signing the question. The patient answers, mostly by ‘yes’ or ‘no’, or by selecting from a list of on-screen answers. The program also includes a facility to print out information sheets on medical conditions, medication and useful organisations. SignHealth is not intended as a replacement for an interpreter. But when no interpreter is available, it may be a useful aid. Currently, there is no communication support for 60% of general practitioner appointments for deaf people. The Department of Health is purchasing this software on behalf of all primary care trusts from January 2006 and it should therefore be available in all surgeries across England. For further information, contact SignHealth. NEW accessible resources on pregnancy and birth from DPPITwo new accessible resources on pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal period will be available from DPPI from March 2006. DPPI has commissioned a DVD for deaf parents and parents-to-be, presented in British Sign Language, with sub-titles and voice-over, and with supplementary leaflets, as well as a pack for visually impaired parents and parents-to-be, available in large print, Braille, audio and DAISY formats. The resources are intended to be used by professionals who work with deaf and visually impaired parents, as well as by parents themselves. Both products are parent-led and have been developed with the input of a wide range of health professionals. Review copies of the resources are available now. Please see back cover for contact details. The Royal College of Nursing launches women’s mental health principlesThe Royal College of Nursing Women’s Mental Health Group launched ‘8 principles for practice – nurses promoting women’s mental health and well-being’ on World Mental Health Day in November 2005. The principles can be found at: www2.rcn.org.uk/mhz/forums/womens_mental_health_group/8_principles_for_practice These principles are designed to outline anti-oppressive practices for all women in all healthcare settings and thereby promote good mental health. The principles provide a framework for gender sensitivity, and support meaningful healthcare for women which is safe, inclusive and embraces diversity. The programme will be rolled out during 2006 with regional workshops. For further information, email wmhg@rcn.org.uk Deaf mental health charterThe Mental Health Foundation and Sign, the National Society for Mental Health and Deafness, have produced a deaf mental health charter information pack to raise awareness of the basic rights of deaf people when receiving mental health services. This jointly developed pack includes essential up-to-date information on mental health and deafness. It will be useful for those who commission and provide mental health services, and can also be used as a resource to make services more inclusive. The pack has been endorsed by Rosie Winterton MP, Minister of State for Health Services, and Liam Byrne MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Care Services. The pack can be downloaded from the Mental Health Foundation website at www.mentalhealth.org.uk or ordered from Sign Telephone: 01494 687600 Email: info@signcharity.org.uk NEW vibrating baby monitors for deaf parentsThere are two new portable vibrating baby alarms on the market, which may be of interest to deaf parents. Tomy has brought out a new digital vibrating baby monitor called the Platinum Baby Monitor. It has a standard baby unit and portable parent unit with flashing lights and a vibrating option, which increases as the baby’s crying increases. Range of up to 300m. Boardbug has introduced the Baby and Child Monitor (which can be viewed at www.boardbug.com). It has a digital watch for the parent and a wristband for the baby or toddler that transmits sound. The parent’s watch vibrates, flashes and beeps. Range of up to 150m. Both products work alone, don’t require any other special equipment and are available from John Lewis and other nursery outlets. Maternity AllianceIt was with great sadness that DPPI learned that Maternity Alliance (MA) has had to close down – a sign of the current tough funding climate for charities. For nearly 25 years, the MA has been raising the profile of care for many disadvantaged groups approaching motherhood, including disabled women. DPPI Information Service owes its existence to Maternity Alliance, which backed our bid for initial funding to establish the service, and rented us our first office within MA’s own premises. The cover picture of the first issue of DPPi journal – entitled ‘Disabled parents and professionals unite’ – showed the group photo of the groundbreaking conference on disability and parenthood organised by MA in 1993. It published the resulting report I thought I was the only one with a summary of its survey of disabled women, Mothers’ pride and others’ prejudice, and Listen to us for a change: a charter for disabled parents and parents-to-be. These helped to ensure that the needs of disabled parents were placed firmly on the public agenda for improvements in maternity service delivery. KIDZ TAGZ – keep your child safeKIDZ TAGZ children’s safety wristbands are durable, colourful, secure, lightweight, water resistant vinyl wristbands, which are easy to apply. They are designed for children so that parents and teachers can write important contact details on the wristband, such as a mobile phone number, rendezvous point or other information that may be useful in an emergency. For example, if separation does occur in a busy area the child and adult can be reunited quickly. They are ideal for shopping trips, parties, days out, school trips, airports and holidays. The wristbands may be of interest to disabled parents, for example those with restricted mobility who may find it difficult to chase after a child who runs off. In addition, a parent with a condition such as epilepsy could add important information about their condition and who to contact in the event of an emergency. Available in packs of 10 from £5.50. Fundraising incentive offered to schools and large groups. Contact KIDZ TAGZ for details. Tel: 01732 763686 Email: info@kidztagz.co.uk Website: www.kidztagz.co.uk |
