DISABLED people in Warrington will soon benefit from improved health care services, according to the town's Community Health Care NHS Trust

The Trust has invested in 'induction loop systems' which are to be installed in the reception areas of the hospital and Hollins Park House and minicom systems to aid the deaf.

And 20 portable communicator aids, which will be made available to deaf patients using Trust facilities throughout the district, have been ordered.

The move follows the implementation of new laws under the Disability Discrimination Act which require businesses to make it easier for disabled people to use their services.

The Trust also intends to provide leaflets and appointment cards in tape format, large print and Braille as part of the package of measures which were announced at its annual meeting on September 30.

Dave Thompson, the Trust's disability services advisor, said: "I think that the Trust is setting an example. We are ahead of the field but there are lessons for everyone to learn.

"The biggest issue is staff attitudes. You can put as many ramps in a building as you like but if staff attitudes are not right, these won't mean a thing to people with mental disabilities.

"More than 500 of our staff have attended disability awareness training or disability seminars held during the past four years and we have established a service users and carers forum which can advise us on what we should and should not be doing for disabled people."

Warrington Community Health Care NHS Trust has joined forces with Warrington Borough Council and North and Mid Cheshire TEC to inform other businesses in the town of the implications of the new laws.

A seminar will take place at Warrington Town Hall, on December 3, at 12pm, and guest speakers will include Government officers and a firm of solicitors that specialise in disabled law.

For further information about the seminar, call Sandra Jones on 01928 599000 or Dave Thompson on 01925 664064.

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