Patients can now be VIPs!

Jan 1 2009 by Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

VULNERABLE people are being invited to apply for a special wallet-sized card which contains useful information in an emergency.

A Vulnerable In-Patient (VIP) card holds information such as contact numbers and allergies or the type of support the person may need if they were in an emergency and had to go to hospital.

When people have accidents or are taken ill it can be very stressful and hard to remember important information that doctors and nurses need to know.

With a VIP card the important information is with the person all the time.

Those with a learning disability or the elderly can take the card when visiting their doctor, nurse, dentist, optician or other health worker.

The VIP card has been developed by Kirklees Council’s Valuing People Team, NHS Kirklees, the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, Calderdale Council and the South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust.

Amanda McKie, a coordinator for the Foundation Trust, said: “The VIP cards can aid the whole process of being treated in hospital and ensure an individual’s needs are met appropriately and timely.”

To get a VIP card call Kirklees Council Adult Services on 01924 816274 or 01484 347600 or the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (Pals) on 0800 587 2108 or 01484 466172.