GUIDE DOGS' SERVICES CAMPAIGN

Early day motion 1378, tabled 22 June 2004 by Edward Davey (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 79 members.

That this House congratulates The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association on its excellent report 'The Experiences of Visually Impaired Users of the NHS' and the recent launch of its Access for All - NHS Services Campaign; notes that over 95 per cent. of visually impaired people surveyed by the Association have never received letters or prescriptions in a format they could read (e.g. braille, large print or email); further notes that over half felt that access to and within their local general practitioner surgery needed improvement; recognises the real need for visual impairment awareness training for all NHS staff; acknowledges the need to make services and information fully accessible for blind and partially sighted people and calls on the Government to address these issues as a priority through firm policy initiatives and the allocation of necessary resources to primary care trusts.

Signatures by party: Labour 42, Liberal Democrat 19, Conservative 8, Labour/Co-operative 6, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.