Patients empowered by digital tools speak up about experiences

In a powerful showcase of how digital technology and innovation can transform lives, people from the North East and North Cumbria shared personal stories about how technology has enhanced their quality of life.

These experiences were shared as part of an online regional Digital Inclusion Forum led by Health innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC), where a diverse panel of citizens spoke about their positive experience of using digital tools. Watch the recording here.

Rachael Forbister, Digital Programme Manager at HI NENC, said:

“I would like to thank our amazing panel members for sharing their inspiring personal stories, showcasing how digital tools can empower and assist people, especially those in need of additional support.  For example one of our panel members, Edward, has macular degeneration and the use of an iPad has ensured he remains independent and lives life to the full.

“Whilst it is amazing to hear these positive stories, there are still millions of people who don’t have the basic digital skills, and remain digitally excluded.

“What we want now is to inspire those listening—whether they’re health and care staff, policy makers, or commissioners—to take these stories to heart and consider how they can contribute to improving care and services. There’s so much potential in using digital tools to support people’s health and care needs, but we need to ensure that the services we provide and design are inclusive and accessible to all.

“Thank you once again to Edward, Ellie, Humaira, John and Lindsey for sharing their stories and to our wonderful host, Shelley.”

The webinar was hosted by Olympian Shelly Holroyd, who added:

“It was an honour to host this inspirational event and hear how technology has the power to change lives. Many of us take technology for granted, but for those with additional needs, it can be a true game changer. It was uplifting to hear people share their stories and champion the benefits of digital tools.

“As someone with a hearing impairment, I understand how difficult it can be to speak up about personal experiences. That’s why events like these are so important, as they allow us to listen to people with lived experiences. I hope this inspires others with similar experiences to feel more confident and safe to speak out, and helps healthcare providers to ensure that services are targeted and inclusive to all.”

Watch the webinar recording here.

The next Digital Inclusion Forum takes place on Monday 11th November on MS Teams, and you can register your place on HI NENC’s website.

Next week (7th – 11th October) is Digital Inclusion Week, an annual week of awareness to recognise and celebrate efforts to support digital inclusion. Find out more here.

 

Meet the panel

Shelley Holroyd

Olympic athlete, avid gamer, coach, mentor, partially deaf and living with chronic pain since 2009.

Shelley has coached Paralympic Gold Medallists, was part of the Invictus games inception and developed world class sports academies.

Edward Bebbington

Edward is 71, married with two adult sons and retired early from his job as a procurement manager after being diagnosed with a genetic form of macular degeneration in his early 50’s, resulting in registration as severely sight impaired. He has since volunteered for the Macular Society, to share with others the skills and tips that can help those living with low vision.

Lindsey Fothergill

Lindsey lives at home with her mum, two dogs Benji and Quinn, and her parrot Frankie. She is a carer for her mum. Lindsey works for Skills for People which is a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities in Newcastle.

Ellie James

Ellie is deaf and has cochlear implants. Ellie says without digital adaptions, growing up as a deaf person in a digital world would be incredibly challenging! When she engages digitally she rely on things such as subtitles, ensuring the person that she is communicating with has a quiet and clear setting, as well as having their face and mouth visible. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/cochlear-implants

Humaira Khan

Humaira is a Community worker and event organiser. Teacher at Pakistan Muslim Association. She received community health champion award by lord mayor of Newcastle. She feels that according to modern times, being digitally aware and confident to use it has gained much importance than earlier. Digital skills programme helped the ladies by providing them basic digital learning skills through various workshops. It helped to raise digital awareness especially in ethnic minority women from less privileged areas. It helped in boosting their self-confidence to use digital and social media.

John Pye

John is an ex Navy/RFA, he says that since joining Veterans in Crisis, Sunderland he has had amazing help and support from Ger and all of the staff. He has received a tablet/iPad which has enabled him to have access to the Internet, he was also been given a sim card with free minutes which has allowed him to have more contact with fellow Veterans Friends and family