The NHS Help Card has been designed to give extra help and support to people whenever they visit a NHS hospital, GP surgery, dentist, optician, or receive health services within the community.
The NHS Help Card plays an important part in improving access and patient experience at the point of service and in meeting our responsibilities under the NHS Constitution.
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.
Help Cards are available from hospital receptions, healthcare buildings or from healthcare professionals or by contacting the Patient Experience Team or the Equality and Diversity Lead 0191 3332306.
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.
Our staff are committed to providing the very best care and treatment through adopting a diverse and inclusive approach that puts the patient, their families and carers at the centre of everything we do. We hope that by using the NHS Help Card it will help people to overcome the barriers that they may face when using our services or simply provide a more confidential option to alert a healthcare professional of additional support or help they may need when using our services in public areas such as at reception desks.
If you require any further information about the NHS Help Card, please contact Jillian Wilkins, Equality and Diversity Lead at the University Hospital of North Durham; telephone: 0191 3332306 or email: jillian.wilkins@cddft.nhs.uk
'I would like to thank all the staff for my treatment and their professionalism.'
Patient, Cardiology Department, Bishop Auckland Hospital