Previous work of the Get Involved project
The Get Involved Group works hard with service providers to improve how accessible public services are to disabled people and promote equality for all. Here you can download reports about the work we have done in the past and the improvements that have resulted:
Current Consultations we’ve been involved in:
1. Neighbourhood Councils Consultation, ends January 2012.
http://consult.brighton-hove.gov.uk/portal/bhcc/ce/nc/nc
2. Consultation on mental health services
http://consult.brighton-hove.gov.uk/public/nhs/pct/communitysurvey
3. Consultation on Autism Strategy:
http://consult.brighton-hove.gov.uk/portal/bhcc/asch/commission/autism
4. Sports consultation
http://consult.brighton-hove.gov.uk/portal/nhs/health/physicalactivity
Get Involved! Helps to instigate policy change at hospital.
In 2010 Get Involved! Participants made the local hospital trust (Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals) aware that PA’s and carers were not being permitted to stay with their disabled employers outside visiting hours. Subsequently, the Head of Equality, Diversity and Human Rights from BSUH worked with Fed Involvement Officers to implement a change in the NHS constitution. This means that to enable a PA or carer to stay outside visiting hours is considered a ‘reasonable adjustment’ to.
The following communication was sent out to over 6500 BSUH staff on the 10th October 2011.
Well done Get Involved participants!
4. Carers / Personal Assistants for disabled people with complex needs
Carers / Personal Assistants for disabled people with complex needs
Many people who have a long term disability that have complex care needs will have a carer or personal assistant, to help them with day-to-day activities. The carer or personal assistant is pivotal in maintaining their client's independence.
Carers or personal assistants will typically undertake a wide range of duties including sanitation, dressing, feeding, attending to personal matters, etc... They play an important role in performing or assisting with duties the disabled person is unable to do for themselves or unaided.
Please ensure that any patient that is admitted within the Trust with complex care needs and a carer or personal assistant, is provided with every reasonable provision to allow the carer or personal assistant to remain with the patient. Please bear in mind that people who require round the clock care and have a carer or personal assistant will have intensive and complex needs, which in practicality cannot always be guaranteed to be accommodated by the Trust. The Carer or personal assistant therefore, plays an important role in allowing the Trust provide appropriate and adequate treatment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Under the Equality Act 2010, Human Rights Act 1998 and NHS Constitution - permitting the patient to retain the carer or personal assistant 24/7 would be deemed a reasonable adjustment - This will enable to patient to maintain their independence, privacy and dignity.
For more information contact Barbara Harris on Trust email.