Course developed from Sensory Impairment Awareness training provided by COMMTACS training & development on behalf of NHS Education for Scotland (NES). Course provides introductory-level knowledge and understanding about deafness and deafblindness and introduces basic skills that can be used to assist communication with deaf/deafblind people.

For any further information please contact Andy Irvine - sat@commtacs.co.uk

Topics covered:

What is and how do you recognise a person who is deaf or deafblind

Barriers faced by Deaf/deafblind people accessing MH services

Terminology – positive/negative stereotypes

Statistics

Benefits and limitations of hearing aids

Communication methods/tactics

Language Service Professionals (BSL/English Interpreters etc)

 

 

Visit the Scottish Mental Health Service for Deaf People web site >>> here

Scottish Mental Health Service for Deaf People

The first national specialist community mental health service for people with sensory impairment in Scotland has been launched. Called the Scottish Mental Health Service for Deaf People, the service was launched on Friday 20th May (2011).

The service is commissioned by National Services Division, NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) on behalf of all 14 NHS Boards in Scotland. NHS Lothian is the host NHS Board responsible for delivery of a Scotland-wide service.

While individual's care, treatment and support will remain the responsibility of NHS Boards, the new service offers specialist advice to local mental health teams and specialist support in assessment and treatment. This support includes providing British Sign Language, technological resources, education packages and training for healthcare professionals – all available in order to help continue to improve communication and service responsiveness.

Background
The funding and development of this new national service was informed by a consensus for the need to significantly enhance the access to and the response of mental health services for people with sensory impairment in Scotland.

National Services Division NSS will continue to commission specialist in-patient mental health services for adults with sensory impairment on behalf of all NHS Boards in Scotland from the John Denmark Unit. All referrals to the JDU (for specialist out-patient and access to in-patient services) will require to be via the new Scottish service from 20 May 2011.

Visit the Scottish Mental Health Service for Deaf People web site >>> here

Testimonials from recent course participants:

Wonderful day, I learned a lot and a great deal was reinforced

Tutor was very supportive

It certainly makes you think – it's the simplest things that make the biggest change

The course gave me a very good insight and understanding

Should have had this study day years ago

This has also helped me on a personal level - thanks

With a service that sees a high number of patients, this course has certainly made us aware of the need to be alert for the smallest hint that the person may be deaf, especially when information is being given out.

The course was aimed at just the right level

Many thanks - very worthwhile course

Extremely informative and the practical aspects were invaluable

Good chance to network with colleagues who we only meet occasionally