Meeting Report 27.10.2009
“Don’t live in silence” was the message from Gill Reader of the Deafness and Support network to the members of the Northern Pensioners Association who met in Crewe Library.
In a lively session with the help of the audience a long list of all the effects of suffering reduced hearing was quickly drawn up and as Gill pointed out they are all negative.
“Deafness”, she said “ is just like an iceberg – not very much is visible to the people you meet.” This of course leads to misunderstandings.
In the population as a whole about 15% (1 in 7) people have hearing loss but in the over 70s that rises to 85%
There is now lots of equipment available to help the deaf, but its use is often not properly explained, especially hearing aids. Hearing should be tested regularly and if it is present in both ears then two aids should be fitted
Under the Disability Discrimination Act public buildings should now have loop systems fitted, working and permanently switched on so don’t be afraid to complain if this is not the case.– don’t accept silence!!
The association continues to flourish and five new members joined this month.
Information was provided on the new bus schedules being launched at the end of October and the new service from Wistaston to Rope Green medical centre was welcomed although it was pointed out that we still do not have low-floor buses to eagle bridge, nor are there any seats in the bus shelters. A letter has been sent to Cllr Macrae to remind him of these issues.
A letter from Cheshire Police was read out confirming there policy on responding to crimes were the victim was vulnerable or distressed.
Welfare and health Officer, Kevan Larkin reported on the current state of the PCT’s finances and the likelihood in cuts of services to rectify the situation.
At national level the report from the National Audit Office that pensioners are being overcharged income tax was noted as was the recent statement by the health Minister And Burnham acknowledging that age discrimination did exist in the health Service and must be stamped out.
Next meeting is on November 24th which is the AGM
