"Lack of equipment etc for people with visual impairment"

My cousin who is registered blind has been in Northampton general hospital several times, in different wards: Quinton, Collingtree, Old Eau, Benham, Brampton, Esther White and Gem.

Everyone was informed that she was visually impaired but she wasnt provided with anything to help. She was given a clear water jug and beaker so she was unable to see them on the bedtable or find them without knocking them over.   When meals were served they were often just put in front of her, she wasnt asked if she needed food cutting up, dessert was put behind the plate so she didn't find it. The call bell wasnt illuminated in some wards and none of them had tactile markings so she couldnt press the correct area on the bell. Staff didnt tell her that they were leaving the room so she would be talking to thin air.

The hospital needs to make sure every ward has coloured jugs and beakers, tactile and illuminated call bells. It would not cost a huge amount to purchase coloured plates etc as there wont be a lot of visually impaired patients in at the same time. Staff need training in helping visually impaired people.  Also needs addressing is the poor lighting for people who are visually impaired, I had to bring in a lamp to help her cope with locating things on the bed table.