Cambridge Eye Unit singled out for RNIB accreditation

The Cambridge Eye Unit at CUH has been awarded 'Visibly Better' accreditation by the RNIB for providing an excellent service to patients with visual impairments.

When presenting the plaque the RNIB's Julia Barrand said Addenbrooke's is the only hospital at present to receive the current accreditation.

She says: "It really is a centre of excellence and an example of best practice. Other hospitals should have a look at what's going on here."

Cambridge Eye Unit staff accept their accreditation certificate. From left: Julia Barrand, Lynette Gayfer, Gail Blackwell, Jo Fielden and Helen Beck.

The Cambridge Eye Unit received the award for meeting standards in staff awareness, communication and environment. This success is the result of a team effort between staff with help from local charity Cam Sight which helped with visual awareness training.

Good practice that helped earn the accreditation includes visual awareness training for staff. Glasses that simulate different diseases are used to give a sense of what it is like to come to hospital with a visual impairment and staff are also trained in how to guide patients.

Communication that goes in or out of the department is carefully considered with a large clear font used on patient letters. The clinic has colour-contrast décor and signage with the blue colour scheme chosen by patients. Edges of doors and sides of walls are painted blue to make them stand out and the clinic is free of clutter. Signage is black on yellow with lower case letters instead of block capitals which make them easier to read.

Operations manager Helen Beck says: "Everyone has worked so hard. I'm so proud of them. For people to have taken the time to do this for the benefit of patients, and to be recognised as the only hospital in the country to achieve this, is just fantastic."

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