Support services and aids for communication

Boogie Boards

Most hospital wards have access to the hand held Boogie Boards and stylistic pens.

The Boards allows staff and patients to write down what is being spoken. This aid supports patients who are hard of hearing or who may have a verbal impairment. This aid is especially useful to use when staff or patients are using a facemask.

After use the words can be wiped clean and the boards cleaned and reused.

The Family Liaison Ipads

The Family Liaison Ipads are located throughout the hospitals.

The Ipads have the Insight Interpreter App installed on them. The App connects to 250+ community languages via audio and video and video British Sign Language (BSL). The App provides instant access to an interpreter and can help with communication.

Interpreter on Wheels

Interpreter on Wheels devices are located in various areas of the hospitals.

The Interpreter on Wheels device has a screen which is on a stand with speakers. The device connects to 250+ community languages via audio and video and video British Sign Language (BSL). The device provides instant access to an interpreter and can help with communication.

Portable induction loop

NHS Fife has a number of Portable Loop Systems set up in various clinics and hospital reception areas across its hospital sites.

A loop system allows a person wearing a hearing aid to cut out background noises therefore hear just the person near the loop system speak to them.

Voice Amplifiers

NHS Fife has a number of Voice Amplifiers that can be booked out for patients to support communication.

The Voice Amplifier is used to amplify the person, who is speaking, voice. It dramatically amplifies even the faintest of voice for up to 12 hours of use (once fully charged)

It can be used to support communication for hard of hearing patients. The volume can be adjusted so that the patient can clearly hear what is being said. It can be used to assist with communication at patient’s appointments or on the ward.

Wipeboards

Wipeboards are located in most wards in the hospitals.

The Wipe Boards allows staff and patient to write down what is being spoken. This aid supports patients who are hard of hearing or who may have a verbal impairment. This aid is especially useful to use when staff or patients are using a facemask.

After use the words can be wiped clean and the boards cleaned and reused.

Hidden disabilities badge

Not all disabilities are visible – some are hidden and not immediately obvious, such as learning difficulties, mental health as well as mobility, speech, visual or hearing impairments. Living with a hidden disability can make daily life more demanding for many people, but it can be difficult for others to identify, acknowledge or understand the challenges you face.

Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard or badge discreetly indicates to people around including staff, colleagues and health professionals that someone may need additional support.