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8 INFORMATION PROVISION
"Councils and NHS bodies should jointly publish comprehensive information on community equipment and adaptations covering: - what help is available
- who to contact
- eligibility criteria
- who needs to pay and how much
- what services people can expect, using information such as local targets for response times."
Councils and NHS bodies should also ensure that written instructions on using equipment and adaptations are always provided for users and carers, and trained staff always demonstrate their use. Audit Scotland, Adapting to the Future (August 2004) |
National Information
Care Information Scotland: Care information for older people
64. In response to an Office of Fair Trading recommendation relating to older people, the Scottish Government is launching a service offering information about community care for older people in Scotland. The service, which will consist of a helpline and website, will be up and running early in 2009. If successful, consideration may be given to expanding the service to all community care for adults. (A child care information service for Scotland - Scottish Childcare www.scottishchildcare.gov.uk already exists).
65. The service aims to:
- act as a guide through the maze of information sources about community care;
- provide core national information e.g. what the law says, current national guidance, charging rules etc
- provide information about the services available locally and how to access them;
- provide links to relevant websites and a wide range of support organisations who can help
66. Care Information Scotland will not duplicate information provision but wherever possible will re-use existing material which will be validated and kept up to date.
67. It is recommended these sites will be used to provide a useful resource for users and carers to access information on equipment and adaptations
Locally produced information
68. Local partnerships should work together to produce information on equipment and adaptations, ensuring that the above Audit Scotland issues are addressed. Effective information about equipment and adaptations should also:
- provide basic information on what equipment and adaptations local areas can provide
- advise on any costs related to the provision
- advise on the different funding streams available (e.g. private sector housing grants, independent living funds etc.) and how to apply
- provide information on accessing equipment from the private sector for those wishing to purchase with their own funds, or by utilising self directed support payments
- be clear and easy to understand, and available in different formats and languages
- provide information on other sources of help and advice
- accurately reflect current policies and legislation
69. Local partnership information should as a minimum, be available on each member of the partnerships website and in a joint partnership leaflet.
The Managed Knowledge Network ( MKN) For Self Management and Rehabilitation
70. A key commitment from the 'Delivery Framework For Adult Rehabilitation' was an MKN for self management and rehabilitation. The objectives of this MKN is to ensure service users can access appropriate information to help them with self management. It will also facilitate effective access to the knowledge and evidence base for self management, enablement and rehabilitation as well as the sharing and generation of new knowledge. It will also provide the evidence base to support service re-design in the management of long term conditions, linking closely with the work of the long term conditions collaborative.
71. Further information on the MKN can be found at www.enablinghealth.scot.nhs.uk
Information in accessible formats
72. Information should be inclusive and accessible. It should be produced in accordance with the RNIB's 'see it right guidelines' available under 'Good Design' at www.rnib.org.uk.
73. Information should also be available in different languages and formats (e.g. Braille) as required to meet the needs of the local population.
INFORMATION PROVISION - KEY RECOMMENDATIONS |
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Key government websites will be developed to provide a useful resource for users and carers to access information on equipment and adaptations Local Partnerships will jointly produce and publish information on equipment and adaptations provision. |
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