Nationwide Building Society Speak Easy Cards
Nationwide branches now have a set of Speakeasy Communication Cards in their counters. They can be used by customers who have speech problems to assist communication with the cashier. Though they won’t cover all situations, it is a very thoughtful addition to their service.
Nationwide deserve congratulations for this innovation. One can only hope the idea catches on and other financial institutions follow the lead of the Nationwide.
More details here LINK
Head and Neck Cancer Audit Feasibility Study
For several years, Professor Vin Paleri has been working with partners such as BAHNO, ENTUK and members of the UK Head and Neck Cancer Coalition to establish an audit to monitor the experiences of head and neck patients. NHS England pays for audits of the most common cancers such as breast cancer, but it withdrew funding for a head and neck audit some years ago.
A feasibility study has now started and if successful there is every chance the NHS will then support an audit in the future. NALC has been involved from the early stages of this work and is a stakeholder, with Malcom Babb serving on the steering committee. Most recently there have been discussion to determine what details from the care pathway the study will focus on.
NALC Future
As reported in an earlier news item, NALC will be closing and the Trustees have now advised the Charity Commission of their intentions. The website is now being run by HNChelp (registered charity number 1002237) and will be maintained as a source of information and news for laryngectomees. More information about HNChelp can be found here: LINK