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Spring 2015 Edition

Disabilities Fife The voice of disabled people

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Contents Chairperson’s Report .......................................................................................... 3

Disabilities Fife's Information and Advice Service ........................................... 4

Know Who to Turn To - Press Release .............................................................. 5

Know Who to Turn To Booklet ........................................................................... 6

Footcare Fife ....................................................................................................... 9

Homelands Trust-Fife News ............................................................................. 10

The Paxton Centre at Homelands in Lundin Links is running a regular café ..................................................................................................................... 11

Queen Margaret Hospital - News Update......................................................... 14

Carnegie American Football Team is a great example of supporting Ethnic Minorities in Fife through Sport. .......................................................... 16

Communicating with Dementia - words and beyond ...................................... 17

Class 3 mobility scooters – are you required to show a tax disk on your scooter ............................................................................................................... 17

In Conversation with Barbara Dickson - Fife Society for the Blind ............... 18

Technology Day - Fife Society for the Blind .................................................... 18

Want to learn? What does Lead Scotland offer? ............................................ 19

IA – the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group ................................... 20

Euans Guide – Disabled Access Reviews for People and their Friends and Families ...................................................................................................... 21

USEFULTELEPHONE Numbers ........................................................................ 23

The below are some useful contact numbers related to safety ..................... 23

Please Note: in this Newsletter, the texts underlined in blue are hyperlinks to pages on the internet for people viewing this Newsletter on their computers.

All Articles are presumed to be correct, but the Disabilities Fife takes no responsibility for any inaccuracies of Articles in this Newsletter. The views, expressed in these articles, are not necessary the views of

Disabilities Fife

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Welcome to the Spring edition of Disabilities Fife’s Newsletter as we continue to strive to end social exclusion through supporting all disabled people in Fife. Our mantra is Disability not Inability. Firstly, I would like to thank the Fife Centre for Equalities for their financial support towards the printing costs of this Newsletter. Secondly, I wish to record our grateful thanks to FMC Technologies for their generous donation of £3,000. Without their help, it is unlikely that Disabilities Fife would still be functioning as an active organisation. As I mentioned in previous Newsletters and at our AGM and Network Meeting in September, our existing core funding, as provided by Fife Council, came to an end at 30 September 2014. Since then, the Management Committee has tried with little success to obtain new sources of core funding so that Disabilities Fife can continue as an independent organisation. We need at least £30,000 annually to enable Disabilities Fife to maintain its existing range of activities including the information and advice service, the website and Facebook page, the newsletters and Network meetings. In view of the financial situation, it was with much regret that the Management Committee had to terminate Daniel Easton’s employment on 30 November 2014 and, as intimated previously Muriel MacGregor left her post as Office Manager on 31 December 2014. However, thanks to FMC Technologies’ generous donation, we have been able to re-employ Muriel to help us in February and March. Notwithstanding, unless we secure adequate funding, Disabilities Fife will be unable to recruit a successor. Currently, Disabilities Fife is managing just to survive on a month by month basis but, unless substantial funding can be secured by the end of March, there is every likelihood that the organization will run out money in April/May 2015. Consequently, at its meeting on 25 March 2015, the Management Committee will have to make a final decision on the following options:

(1) To dissolve Disabilities Fife. Under the terms of Disabilities Fife’s Constitution, this will require a Special General Meeting and a two-thirds majority of those present and entitled to vote.

(2) Put the organisation to sleep for several months in the hope that new

funding streams may become available in the 2015-2016 financial year. This would seem a preferable option to closing down Disabilities Fife and dispensing with our equipment and other resources. In such circumstances, it is almost impossible to see Disabilities Fife re-establishing itself in the future. However, having said that, there will be a

Chairperson’s Report

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need to have some monies available to cover any unforeseen costs which may arise during the period of “sleep”.

Turning to our normal business, Disabilities Fife will be holding our Spring Network Meeting from 2 to 4pm on Tuesday 17 March at the Carnegie Conference Centre, Dunfermline. Our guest speakers will be Nina Munday, Manager of Fife Centre for Equalities, Angela Heyes, NHS Fife’s Equality & Human Rights Lead and Heather Ford, Health & Social Care Integration Change Manager. Best wishes. John Stirling

As a registered Scottish charity, Disabilities Fife is run by disabled people for

disabled people. We work to improve access to services and equality of opportunity

for all disabled people in Fife.

The information and advice service is provided through a telephone helpline (01592

203993), email: enquiries@disabilitiesfife.org.uk website (www.disabilitiesfife.org.uk

), Facebook page and helping personal callers to our office. The issues raised by

Fife’s disabled people include where to access resources and information within Fife

Council and other statutory organizations such as NHS Fife. Specific concerns

raised by individual disabled people relate to adaptations to housing, public

transport and the Blue Badge Scheme of parking concessions, physical access to

buildings, and health and sensory impairment.

The Information and Advice Service ensures that Fife’s disabled people have easy

access to different ways of accessing support and advice to enable them to have

improved access to services. It helps them to be better able to know more about the

services, available from Fife Council, NHS Fife, Police Scotland and other public

and private organizations, which can meet their particular needs and, more

importantly, where to access them. In addition, the Information and Advice Service

enables Disabilities Fife to act as intermediaries to provide direct support to those of

Fife’s disabled people who do not have the confidence to deal with the statutory

organizations themselves.

Disabilities Fife's Information and Advice Service

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People across Fife are being urged to know who to turn to when they are ill or injured to get the right care and treatment at the right place in a timely manner. NHS Fife’s ‘Know Who To Turn To’ campaign is aimed at helping people choose the most appropriate service for their needs so they can access the best treatment in the shortest time possible and reminds them that the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department is only for those who are seriously ill or injured. It is estimated that around 200 people a month who attend the Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy could have been better treated elsewhere. The ‘Know Who To Turn To’ booklet includes information on the following services and what they can treat:

• Looking after yourself

• Local Pharmacy services

• Mental Health services

• Your GP Practice

• Dental services

• NHS 24 and Out of Hours service

• Minor Injuries Service

• Accident & Emergency

The A&E department exists to provide high quality care to the most seriously injured and severely unwell people. Unfortunately there are occasions when people attend A&E with conditions that are not serious. Dr Surinder Panpher, Consultant in Emergency Medicine said: “Our priority within A&E is to treat and care for the most seriously ill and injured patients who require urgent and life-saving treatment. “Increasingly more people are attending the A&E department seeking advice for minor complaints or check-ups for long term conditions. This risks diverting care and attention away from those who need it most. “If people attend with a type of condition that is normally seen by their GP or who have already seen their GP for the same condition or have a condition that has been going on for more than three days they will be asked to use an alternative service.” The Know Who To Turn To campaign provides further advice for the public on using NHS services appropriately.

Know Who to Turn To - Press Release

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Dr Panpher commented further: “If we all use NHS services responsibly we are helping to ensure that everyone will get the best possible treatment whenever they require it. It is important to get the right help and most of the time you can receive the right help from your local pharmacy, your GP practice or by looking after yourself. “Furthermore, minor injury services can treat injuries requiring stitches and minor burns and scalds which traditionally many people may have believed required going to an A&E, however, they can help with a wide variety of injuries such as cuts, wounds, strains and sprains.” Copies of the Know Who To Turn To booklet are widely available across Fife and can be picked up in a variety of places including local pharmacies, GPs, dentists and libraries or by visiting - www.nhsfife.org/knowwhototurnto

LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF

Sore throats, coughs, colds, flu, minor cuts, sprains & grazes can be self -treated without needing to go to A&E. Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet for a quick recovery. This should include medicines for pain relief, high temperatures, cough & cold remedies, plasters & antiseptics, medicines for indigestion relief.

LOCAL PHARMACY Your local pharmacist offers expert advice on general healthcare & provides a Minor Ailment Service. This service allows eligible individuals, including children, to use their local pharmacy for advice & free treatment for common conditions. You don’t have to make an appointment and can go along at a time that suits you. MENTAL HEALTH If you need someone to talk to or you are experiencing despair & distress you can get support & advice from:

• NHS 24 – 111 (available 24/7)

• Samaritans – 08457 90 90 90(available 24/7)

• Breathing Space – 0800 83 85 87 (available Mon-Thurs, 6pm-2am; Fri 6pm-Mon 6am)

Self-help materials & resources can be found at www.moodcafe.co.uk

Know Who to Turn To - Booklet

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YOUR GP PRACTICE When an injury or an illness does not improve with self- treatment, make an appointment with your GP. GPs provide the best care for minor and chronic problems & will know your past medical history. They can access a full range of hospital services including x-rays & blood tests & can make referrals to specialty clinics not available to A&E. DENTAL SERVICES Registration & regular attendance at a dental practice is recommended. In case of a dental emergency you should contact your own practice however advice is available during weekdays from the Fife Dental Adviceline on 01592 226555. Outside working hours, check your practice arrangements or call NHS24 on 111.

NHS 24 & GP OUT OF HOURS SERVICE If you must see a GP in the evening, at the weekend or during holiday periods you can access the out of hours GP via NHS 24 by calling free on 111. They may give you advice over the phone or arrange an appointment at your nearest Out of Hours Service. If they believe you are too ill to travel they might arrange a home visit.

MINOR INJURIES SERVICES Minor Injuries Services can provide treatment for a range of minor or less serious injuries. These include treating: What CAN be treated What CAN’T be treated

• Arm, wrist & hand injuries

• Knee, ankle & foot injuries

• Back, shoulder & rib injuries

• Head & neck injuries in people who

are fully conscious

• Cuts and wounds which may need

dressing & stitches

• Minor burns & scalds

• Illnesses which a GP would

• normally treat

• Gynaecological problems

• Pregnancy problems

• Alcohol & drug related problems

• Mental health problems

• Drug overdose

• Severe allergic reaction

• Breathing problems

• Chest pain

Minor Injury Services are available at Victoria Hospital, Queen Margaret Hospital,

Adamson Hospital & St Andrews Community Hospital.

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ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY Accident & Emergency (A&E) Services provide care for people who show the symptoms of serious illness or are badly injured. A&E & calling 999 should only be used for serious illnesses or injuries, so that essential treatment is given as quickly as possible to those who need it most. If you attend A&E inappropriately & it is felt you do not need to be seen in A&E, you may be asked to seek help from an alternative service such as your GP or local pharmacy. If you would like this booklet in an alternative format or community language please call 01383 565142 or email fife-UHB.EqualityandDiversity@nhs.net For more information or to find your nearest service visit the website at www.nhsfife.org/knowwhototurnto For more information or to find your nearest service visit the website at www.nhsfife.org/knowwhototurnto

Service Location Contact Information

Opening Hours

LocalPharmacy Across Fife Visit www.nhsfife.org for details of your nearest Pharmacy

Visit www.nhsfife.org for details of opening hours

Mental Health NHS Samaritans Breathing Space

111 08457 90 90 90 0800 83 85 87

Available 24/7 Available 24/7 Mon - Thurs, 6pm-2am; Fri 6pm - Mon 6am

GP Practice Across Fife Visit www.nhsfife.org for details of GP practices across Fife

Most GP practices are open from 8am-6pm, with some providing extended opening

Dental Service Across Fife Call Fife Dental Advice Line on 01592 226555 for details of NHS dentists in Fife

For dental emergencies during office hours when you are NOT registered with a dentist contact Fife Dental Advice Line on 01592 226555. For dental emergencies Out-of-Hours call NHS 24 on 111.

GP Out of Hours

Centres across Fife

NHS 24 www.nhs24.com

NHS 24 operates 24/7. When your GP practice is closed, the GP Out Of Hours service can be accessed via NHS 24

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Minor Injuries Services

Victoria Hospital

Hayfield Road, Kirkcaldy, KY2 5AH

Located within A&E at Victoria Hospital, walk-in service operates 24/7

Queen Margaret Hospital

Whitefield Road, Dunfermline, KY12 0SU

Walk-in service operates 24/7

St Andrews Community Hospital

Largo Road, St Andrews, KY16 8AR

A walk-in service operates Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm. Outwith these times & on public holidays call NHS 24 on 111 Adamson

Hospital Bank Street, Cupar, KY15 4JG

A&E Services Victoria Hospital

Hayfield Road, Kirkcaldy, KY2 5AH

Operates 24/7

Do you require assistance to manage your personal footcare? Poor footcare can lead to various health complications and can be avoided with support and care from our trained volunteers. FootCare Fife is a low cost confidential, safe and supportive service run by a local charity, delivered by volunteers. Sessions will be held at Whytemans Brae Hospital, Kirkcaldy and Carnegie clinic, Dunfermline. This project is coming soon to North East Fife. There will be a small £5 charge per session to cover costs. For further information please contact James Jack at Fife Voluntary Action on 08456 006 046 or email james@fifevoluntaryaction.org.uk From the Fife Voluntary Action Bulletin 19 February 2015 and the Fife Voluntary Action website http://www.fifevoluntaryaction.org.uk

Footcare Fife

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On Saturday 17th January, Homelands joined the celebrations of the first ever Disabled Access Day. We opened the doors to our stunning accessible self-catering cottages and drop-in centre. In the Paxton Centre we arranged interesting talks, a variety of taster sessions in alternative therapies, seated exercise and mindfulness. Local author, Billy Horsburgh, gave a talk about his book, Ring of Fire. It is about living with cerebral palsy and glaucoma. He explained the access barriers he has encountered and how he has overcome them. Jock McInnes MBE spoke about his fundraising efforts and how others might help fundraise for Homelands. Jock has raised over a million pounds for charity. The day went really well with over fifty people attending. Prior to the Disabled Access Day, 'Very Crafty of Largo' produced a fabulous double handmade quilt, along with a number of other prizes, to raise funds for Homelands. Raffle tickets are available from Very Crafty, where the quilt is on display. The draw will take place on Friday 3rd April. Development Coordinator, Dave said, "Homelands is thrilled to have been chosen as Very Crafty's charity for the coming year." Lesley McDonald entered several extreme events last year, testing her limits, challenging her endurance, stamina and determination. She has raised over £3000 towards our specialist equipment fund. More info at www.outsidein.rbs.com/stories/2015/january/28/one-year-one-goal/ she will be finishing her final challenge at Homelands on the 27th April. Keith Partridge, the EMMY award winning cameraman, has recently spent time at Homelands to take photographs for our website and publicity materials. The results are great, check out our website I am sure you will agree. The Trustees and staff at Homelands would like to say a big thank you to Keith. We are looking to run Pilates and Yoga therapy taster classes in the Paxton Centre. If you are interested, please call or email to let us know. Additionally, we are opening the doors for SDS awareness week (30th March to the 3rd April 2015), Homelands will offer a presentation of how we fit in with SDS and provide a tour of our facilities.

Homelands Trust-Fife News

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Do you have a disability or long term health condition? Are you a carer for a friend or family member? The Paxton Centre at Homelands in Lundin Links is running a regular cafe on Mondays and Wednesdays starting on 2nd March between 12 noon and 2 pm. On offer there will be soup, sandwiches & toasties along with tea, coffee and biscuits. As well as lunch there will be a range of activities on offer during the afternoon until 4pm - for example:

• Reiki or Indian Head Massage (£10 for 30 minutes, £15 for 45 minutes - booking essential)

• Fun quiz with Kitty

• Talks on a range of topics

• Variety of table games - Scrabble, card games etc.

• Information about Paxton Centre membership and upcoming events and activities

Paxton Centre, 14a Links Road, Lundin Links, KY8 6AT Call 01333 329039 for further information

The Paxton Centre at Homelands in Lundin Links is running a regular cafe

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A number of projects have been completed in the last few months, all with the purpose of improving the experience of our patients. Older People’s Wards Upgrading works in Wards 5, 6 and 7 were completed in August. As part of the works, patients now have access to an outdoor courtyard area. Plans are underway to transform this area to create a therapeutic and relaxing space for patients. Initial work has been undertaken which has included:

• Re-laying flagstones • Upgrading outdoor seating • Preliminary planting and gardening

Further work to transform the courtyard will be undertaken over the next few months Car Park and Travel Plan Improvements Car park and external road works have been completed on-site. Works include increased disabled parking spaces, new parent and child spaces and dedicated spaces for short stay parking, an extended bus stop and a new taxi rank. A one-way system to improve site safety has been in operation since April, with all vehicles entering via Whitefield Road using the Gate 1 entrance and vehicles using Car Parks 1 and 2 exiting the site via Gate 2. You can download a copy of the parking map Official opening of Regional Endoscopy Unit The new regional endoscopy unit at Queen Margaret was officially opened by Alex Neil, former Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing. As well as providing a local service for Fife patients, the £1.8 million unit also provides diagnostic and surveillance tests for regional patients from NHS Lothian and NHS Forth Valley. Up to 7000 patients are expected to use the facilities each year. The unit, which opened to Fife patients at the end of May, comprises two procedure rooms and eight assessment rooms alongside excellent admission and recovery facilities.

Queen Margaret Hospital - News Update

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Service developments update Urology unit

The Urology Diagnostic and Treatment Centre (DTC) relocated from Victoria Hospital to new, purpose-built facilities at Queen Margaret in autumn 2014. The service treats over 1000 patients a month and focuses on outpatient and day case work, providing a range of clinics, reviews and urological tests for patients from across Fife. Inpatient and emergency Urology services continue to be delivered at Victoria Hospital. The Urology unit at Queen Margaret comprises two treatment rooms, five consulting rooms, a large reception/waiting area and a four-bed recovery area. Since 2010 the Urology Service has operated a ‘one-stop clinic’, allowing patients to have a range of investigations completed within a single visit without the need for different appointments in separate departments. The relocation of Urology to the Queen Margaret site will further enhance this way of working. Mr Steve Leung, Consultant Urological Surgeon, said: “The new dedicated Urology unit at Queen Margaret will allow for complete and thorough diagnostic evaluation of patients with urological issues. This is a truly ‘one-stop clinic’ which streamlines the diagnostic process and is highly efficient. We are able to inform patients of their diagnosis on the same day, which avoids repeated appointments for separate diagnostic tests. In addition, the new unit will have specific areas to deliver bladder treatments for a wide range of urological diseases, with specialist nurse-led clinics in both cancer and non-cancer areas of Urology practice.” Day Surgery

The new Day Surgery unit will see the separation of facilities for patients who are able to be discharged during the day, and those patients who may require a stay of up to 23-hours following surgery. Facilities include six single rooms and two three-bedded bays for patients who require a stay of up to 23-hours, two assessment rooms and separate sitting rooms for day and overnight patients. The new unit will provide an improved environment for patients, with enhanced privacy.

Community and Primary Care Services Children’s and Young People’s Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy Children’s and Young People’s Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy relocated from Carnegie Clinic in November 2014. The services now have access to a new dedicated OT gym, providing therapy space, and improved gym facilities for rehabilitation work.

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Children’s occupational therapists and physiotherapists share a new work base, allowing the teams to work even closer together. The move to Queen Margaret also allows the services to have closer working relationships with adult physiotherapy, benefiting young adults, and with Children’s Services already on-site. The teams have already held a successful informal event with colleagues, which allowed services at Queen Margaret to meet up with the physiotherapy and occupational therapy teams and see the new facilities. Patients and families have made positive comments about the improved facilities at Queen Margaret and the ease of parking, with the child and parent parking spaces particularly well received.

Please find more information in the poster below, and go online and like their Facebook page www.facebook.com/carnegiefootball

Carnegie American Football Team is a great example of supporting Ethnic Minorities in Fife through Sport.

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When: 10.00am - 1.00pm, Saturday 18 April 2015 Where: Dunfermline This event is being organised by Fife Carers Centre This particular event is free to attend, so no payment is required.

Fife Carers Centre are holding a workshop designed to help people who are caring for family members or friends who are living with dementia. For many people with dementia spoken and written language can become a big problem. When finding words become difficult and frustration leads to stressed behaviours for someone living with dementia it's important to explore other ways you can understand each other and communicate your feelings simply. In this informal and useful workshop Fife Carers Centre will be looking at what communication is, exploring the basics and essentials to making it have meaning for both of you.

To book a place, please contact:-

Contact: Lesley Childs Phone: 01592 642999 E-mail: Lesley.Childs@fifecarers.co.uk

From the Fife Voluntary Action Bulletin 29 January 2015 and the Fife Voluntary Action website www.fifevoluntaryaction.org.uk

I, Robert Hunter, am a Class 3 mobility scooter user. You may or may not know that Class 3 mobility scooters must be Road Taxed (it`s free). When the rules on displaying your tax disk changed in October 2014, cars and other vehicles no longer have to display them. This is because the authorities say that, due to new technology, by scanning the vehicles’ registration plates, the tax disks are no longer necessary. Well I thought about this because Class 3 mobility scooters do not have to display registration plates, Therefore, how is this new technology going to be able to scan what is not there? I contacted DVLA to check with them. I was told that the same rules apply to Class 3 mobility scooters that apply to other road vehicles. Consequently, next time your road tax disk is due to be renewed, you will be sent a document to show if proof is required.

Communicating with Dementia - words and beyond

Class 3 mobility scooters – are you required to show a tax disk on your scooter

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I do not know about anyone else but, when I registered a new Class 3 mobility scooter, I no longer had to do anything else. The new tax disk was sent to me automatically when it was due and, therefore, I take it the same will happen under the new rules. However, as I said above, it will be a document to show if proof is required. http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/abolition-of-the-vehicle-tax-disc

When: 6.30pm, Thursday 30 April 2015 Where: The Old Kirk, Kirkcaldy

In celebration of Fife Society for the Blind's 150th Anniversary, the charity's Patron Barbara Dickson will be taking part in an evening of conversation and a little music. This is an opportunity to listen to Barbara as she talks to John Abernethy about her life in show business, and hear her sing a handful of her most popular hits.

Fife Society for the Blind was founded in 1865 with the intention of helping blind people read Braille in their own homes and to help them live as independently as possible. Over the past 150 years practices and technology have changed but the core services of the Society exist for the same reason they did in the beginning - to make life with a sight loss easier and to allow blind and partially sighted people to be independent.

If you would like to help the Society celebrate this milestone along with Barbara Dickson, please call 01592 644979 for tickets.

From the Fife Voluntary Action Bulletin 26 February 2015 and the Fife Voluntary Action website www.fifevoluntaryaction.org.uk

When: 10.30am - 3.00pm, Wednesday 06 May 2015 Where: Fife Society for the Blind, Wilson Avenue, Kirkcaldy Fife Society for the Blind are holding a Technology Day for people who have a visual

impairment.

Come along and try out the various gadgets - Electronic magnifiers Audio book technology, Mobile phones, Reading machines, Tablets Magnification and speech software

In Conversation with Barbara Dickson - Fife Society for the Blind

Technology Day - Fife Society for the Blind

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Visit our new Nairn Opticians, to see our state of the art testing equipment and extensive range of frames. All welcome. For further information contact Hazel White at Fife Society for the Blind (01592) 644979 From the Fife Voluntary Action Bulletin 26 February 2015 and the Fife Voluntary Action website www.fifevoluntaryaction.org.uk

What does Lead Scotland offer?

We know that many people are is nervous about getting in touch, but we can support you at your pace to start learning. Learners experiences can give you a flavour of our work.

Some people may find their own answers and solutions quickly after a few meetings with their Learning Co-ordinator. Some people might find they need more time and support to get things in place, including the support of other organisations, volunteer support and/or an ICT equipment loan.

Contact one of our Lead Scotland Co-ordinators in your area as your first step to getting involved.

Contact the Fife Lead Scotland Co-ordinator at Email: drobb@lead.org.uk Telephone: 01337 831603 Dawn works part-time, usually Monday to Thursday

We support about 500 disabled people and carers to learn each year. What interests you?

Some learners find volunteer support to learn very valuable to get started. We also have a computer loan scheme.

Lead also has a helpline and information service which is Scotland wide.

• 0800 999 2568 (open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please note that someone may not always be available to deal with your enquiry within these days, but we will do our best to get back to you as quickly as possible).

• E-mail: info@lead.org.uk

Our services are free and confidential to disabled people and carers in many areas of Scotland.

Want to learn?

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IA – the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group What is IA? IA is a national support group for people with ileostomies and internal pouches.

• Listen

• Inform

• Support Established in 1956 as the Ileostomy Association by a group of people with ileostomies and some members of the medical profession, the organisation now has 54 member organisations in the UK and Ireland. These local groups are: managed by volunteers, most of whom have an Ileostomy or internal pouch.

Ileostomy Certain Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, sometimes cause such damage to the large intestine (colon) that it becomes necessary for this to be removed. The lower end of the small intestine which is called the ileum is then brought out through the abdominal wall, forming an Ileostomy, so that bodily waste matter can be collected in an externally attached bag. Ileo anal pouch With the advances in modern surgical techniques some people now have an internal pouch formed. This surgery involves removing the colon and rectum and a reservoir (pouch) is constructed from small intestine. A temporary Ileostomy may be necessary whilst healing of the pouch takes place.

Temporary Ileostomy This is often referred to as a ‘loop’ Ileostomy, as it is formed by bringing a loop of small intestine out onto the abdominal wall. A temporary Ileostomy may be formed to enable an Ileo-anal pouch to heal, or to allow a join between two ends of large intestine to heal, when a section of intestine has been removed, most commonly for bowel cancer. What does IA do? Listen-Inform-Support Although major surgery of this nature, with a change of bodily function, will disrupt a person’s lifestyle, especially if the illness has lasted for many years, recovery will often be assisted by contact with people who have been through a similar experience.

The following core activities are provided by IA for people of all ages with an Ileostomy or internal pouch:

• Visiting

• Members’ meetings

• IA Journal

• Website

• Young IA

• Internal Pouch

• Advisory services

• Medical research

IA’s core objectives are to help those facing these operations to return to a normal active lifestyle as soon as possible after surgery. IA is totally funded by donations and subscriptions and most of the 10,000 members have either an Ileostomy or an internal pouch, allowing us to use the 'because we know, we care’ strapline with confidence.

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Fife IA - My name is Betty McNeil and I am secretary of the Fife IA Support Group. We meet three times a year at The Staff Club, Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy. Our members consist of people who have ileostomies, pouches, colostomies and urostomies. We also have members who are family or friends of our ostomists and come along to support them. Our meetings are very informal and friendly with lots of talk and discussions. Everyone is welcome.

If you wish to find out more about the Fife IA group please contact me at the address, telephone or e-mail below. I will be more than willing to help with information or support.

Mrs B McNeil 117 Primrose Avenue Rosyth Fife KY11 2TX Telephone 01383 416320 Email betty.mcneil@talktalk.net

This exciting new online resource allows you to search for accessible places to visit and an opportunity for you to write a review about attractions and venues you have visited throughout the UK too.

Euan MacDonald, founder of Euan's Guide, says “the goal of the Guide is to provide a friendly, honest and empowering alternative to hours of web searching and phone calls and most importantly remove the ‘fear of the unknown’ when visiting a venue for the first time”.

Hotels, restaurants, bars, leisure facilities, cinemas & theatres, visitor attractions and many others will have the opportunity to demonstrate their accessibility credentials, with genuine customers providing feedback on their experience and promoting venues with great accessibility attributes. These reviews will establish a knowledge bank that potential users can search, filter and use to assist in planning their visit. To find out more visit www.euansguide.com/ or email hello@euansguide.c

Euans Guide – Disabled Access Reviews for People and their Friends and Families

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The National Key Scheme (NKS) offers disabled people independent access to locked public toilets around the country. Toilets fitted with National Key Scheme (NKS) locks can now be found in shopping centres, pubs, cafés, department

stores, bus and train stations and many other locations in most parts of the country. Disabilities Fife believes that everyone who experiences ill-health, injury or disability should have the same freedom and independence as other citizens. An important part of that freedom is having the confidence to go out, knowing that public toilets will be available, accessible and will meet your needs.

In addition to public conveniences, toilets for disabled people, provided by a wide range of other public, voluntary and commercial organisations, have been fitted with the NKS lock. Around 7000 toilets are now fitted with the lock and can be found from Shetland to Jersey.

Please note any queries or problems, concerning a toilet facility should be directed to the provider, rather than RADAR.

NKS Radar Key Opening doors to independent living

Locked out

of the Disabled Toilet?

How do I get one? Visit the office with identification (e.g. Blue Badge). If it’s easier, please post a cheque for £3.50 along with a photocopy of both sides of your Blue Badge and we will send your key directly.

Is it only for wheelchair users? NO Speak to us for clarification, but you are entitled to use a Radar accessible toilet

if you require assistance in toileting, have a visual impairment etc.

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USEFULTELEPHONE Numbers

The below are some useful contact numbers related to safety

Inclusion Scotland

Tel 0141 559 5007

Info@inclusionscotland.org

Circles Network Tel: 01592 753 383

info.fife@circlesnetwork.org.uk

Scottish Disability Equality Forum Tel: 01259 272062 general@sdef.org.uk

Citizens Advice & Rights Fife Tel: 0845 1400 095 www.cas.org.uk/

NHS/Fife Health Council Tel: 0800 587 4008 www.scottishhealthcouncil.org

Equality & Human Rights Commission Tel: 0845 604 5510 scotland@equalityhumanrights.com

NHS 24 Tel: 111

Disabilities Fife Office Contact Details: Muriel MacGregor West Bridge Mill Bridge Street Kirkcaldy KY1 1TE

Tel: 01592 203993 Fax: 01592 203786 Mobile (SMS Text): 07841504318 Email: enquiries@disabilitiesfife.org.uk Website: www.disabilitiesfife.org.uk Please visit the websites for more Information. If you have any relevant information you like to share, please contact the Office. Scottish Charity No: SC 026112

Homecheck Tel: 01383 441177

Fire and Rescue Service

Tel: 01333 439497

Police Security Help / Advice Tel: 01592 418506

Police Safety Officer (East) Tel: 01334 418745

Consumer Direct Tel: 08454 04 05 06

Citizens Advice & Rights Fife Tel: 01334 412845

Energy Saving Trust Tel: 0800 512 012

Care and Repair Tel: 01592 631661

Police Non-emergency

Tel: 101

Fife Core Paths Email: craig.gilbert@fife.gov.uk

24

Disabilities Fife The Voice of Disabled People

SC 026112

West Bridge Mill

Bridge Street

Kirkcaldy KY1 1TE

Tel: 01592 203993

Fax: 01592 203786

SMS Text: 07841504318

Email: enquiries@disabilitiesfife.org.uk

www.disabilitiesfife.org.uk

Disabled Parking

Fully Accessible