Issue of reclassifying sensory equipment separate from ADL was not raised at the Procurement Group, but Nicky Ore is aware of it. Beatrice/Sheila to check back with Nicky. Also to discuss Hilary's and WRVS access to limited sensory items from Stores.

Carl, Keith, Martin and Neil have had 3 meetings to discuss and looked at examples from other Local Authorities. Consensus is that only 3 items: - signature guide, envelope guide and a single timepiece could be given out without an assessment by a rehab officer.

Assumption group was to identify and risk assess all equipment being issued, with a recommendation for the level of assessment needed. Martin explained this would be time consuming and would need to be constantly updated for changes. Need to risk assess the person and not the equipment, risk is created by the individual's use of the equipment and their competency to do so.

Question as to whether specifically trained CCP's (as in OT) could assess for some items of equipment, to be followed up by an RO visit?

WRVS currently offer more than the 3 items. Historically the small equipment service was set up to avoid placing people on the waiting list, who's needs could be met by low level aids or adaptations provided without an assessment. Concern was raised that there may be greater needs that neither the person nor the WRVS volunteer would pick up, as not trained RO's. WRVS do not tend to refer people on to SSD for RO visit; the majority they see are self-referrals.

Feeling that the WRVS should be used as an early response service, giving out information and Low Vision Leaflets. This would enable people in the early stages of sight loss to be identified and offered treatment or support for their condition at the onset. This fits in with the national standards and people at that stage often have a more positive attitude to rehabilitation.

Martin would like service users to have immediate access to RO. A telephone call to the person within 7 days of the referral, to let them know the referral has been passed to RO. Currently having seen Hilary in clinic there is a long wait for RO to make contact. The service user's needs are therefore not being met by SSD.

Agreed that the following equipment should not be given out by WRVS to people with sight loss: - liquid level indicators, needle threaders, long flame lighters, can openers, kettle tippers, tactile timers, doset box, writing frame.

RO to offer a peripatetic service, taking a bag of equipment out to the service user's home at the second visit. Discussion as to whether this could be provided in the community. Mary to contact Lawrence Paton to suggest a ½ day drop-in service once a month at Southport Blind Aid. To look at similar clinics around the borough in local venues. To be advertised through the Talking Newspapers.

Magnifiers are a health responsibility and should be provided by low vision clinics. SSD give out on loan until the person has been seen in clinic, but not often returned. SSD subsidising health. GP's refer to LV clinics. Described a system where the person is issued with a magnifier by the GP when the referral is made. The person is then seen at LV clinic and the existing magnifier is changed for a more appropriate one if needed. To discuss with health.

Hilary to offer signature guides and envelope guides in clinic, as not too cumbersome to transport or store.

Rehab Officers with Neil looked at all 16 national standards in outline and 1 to 6 in detail. Meeting again on Friday to complete. Outcomes to be shared with this group and Eddie to respond.

Noted the framework is only guidance and there are no penalties for non-compliance. But CSCI would see it as a positive step.

Mary to provide.

Sheila to pass date to Mary and she or Eddie will attend.

Link up to discuss RVI's and low vision clinics/magnifiers (see above).

No LVL for Sefton, need to develop one and distribute via GP's, opticians, etc. Martin has an idea of how it should look. Beatrice to identify and link in to existing optician's forum to publicise.

OT has spent time with Olivia Redgrave looking at job skills and competencies required to complete identified OT tasks. Sensory workers to do the same, no timescale yet. OT managers to discuss with sensory staff and Olivia how this is progressed.

Sheila has written a report to Eddie to be shared with SMT. Martin has also been in contact with Eddie regarding meeting the national standards. Sheila to follow up.

Neil is the link to the Training Forum, update at next meeting.

Training of customer access team staff to be more capable of dealing with calls from people with sensory problems.

Sheila meeting with Paul Manning on another matter. Will raise the issue of consistency in recording sensory and dual sensory loss on swift.

Monday 11^th December, 1.30pm at Shakespeare Street.

Action

Beatrice / Sheila

Action

Mary

OT Managers

Hilary

Mary

Sheila

Action

Beatrice

OT Managers

Sheila

Neil

Sheila