How can I be referred to the service for an assessment?

How long do I have to wait for the assessment?

Where and how does the assessment take place?

How long do I have to wait for the equipment to be installed?

How much does the equipment cost?

Is it difficult to operate the equipment?

How long does it take to install the equipment?

What if I change my television or want to add more functions?

Do I have to look after the equipment?

What if I move address, can I take the equipment with me?

Installation: All installations are carried out by the Electronic Assistive Technology Service. The date of installation will be arranged with the service user as soon as possible following the assessment. The date may depend on additional work being completed by other agencies, for example if additional mains sockets have been requested. The installation has to wait until all preparatory work is completed.

The user will need to be present, and ideally a family member or carer, as equipment training will be provided by the team on the day

Support: All EAT equipment is loaned to the user for as long as it is needed. We understand that needs may change and will provide support and adjustment as needed. Please contact the service if you have any concerns or need adaptations on the equipment installed. 

Service and Repair: The equipment is serviced annually, however if there are any problems with the equipment or if changes are required, please contact the Electronic Assistive Technology team.

In the event of a breakdown, please contact the Electronic Assistive Technology Service on 0117 414 5899.

All equipment is installed and supported by our in-house team of technical and clinical staff. They will consult the user on the day of installation and will offer training on how to use the equipment once fitted.

The service is available for anyone of all ages and medical conditions who meet the provision criteria. This criterion is defined by the NHS England Service Specification for Complex Disability Equipment: Environmental Controls.

Provision Criteria:

• Profound and potentially complex physical disability, such that they are unable to operate standard controls for functioning independently in the home.
• Where simpler and cheaper non customised solutions are not suitable or appropriate.
• Cognitively and physically able to operate EC equipment consistently.
• Able to demonstrate sustained motivation to use the EC equipment.
• Individuals requiring multiple control functions integrated into a single means of access as multiple devices are inappropriate (including also potential for integrating functions for communication, computer access and/or powered wheelchair control.

Exclusion Criteria (for equipment provision by the service);

• Where simpler and cheaper non customised solutions to the identified needs of the patient are available and appropriate for the individual.
• The individual patient does not have the cognitive ability or motivation to operate the EC equipment. This shall normally be established though a period of trial of some sample solution of equipment.
• Provision of equipment is inappropriate due to social, environmental or other circumstances. Given the nature of the medical conditions, compliance with the criteria may not be apparent from the referral information, and therefore are to be applied following the assessment.

Reference: 

The service is provided to people of all ages and medical conditions who meet the provision criteria. This is defined in a national service specification set by NHS England for all EAT services in England (https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/environmental-control-equipment-for-patients-with-complex-disability-all-ages/).

The service can provide equipment when:

• Someone is unable to use standard controls to function independently at home due to a complex physical disability. The impairment will often affect the upper limbs and the user may find items such as remote controls, mice and keyboard etc. difficult to use.
• When more simple non customised solutions are not suitable or appropriate. This includes making adjustments to the environment.
• The user must be able to understand how to use the equipment, either the environmental controls or the computer.
• The user is also motivated to use the equipment.
• Integration of equipment is required when multiple options are not appropriate.

The EAT service will work with the user to provide access to their computer when the standard interfaces are difficult or inoperable. There are a range of solutions which give control of the device back using alternative interfaces.  Some examples of how a computer can be set up include:

• Alternative keyboards: this could be a keyboard with larger keys, a guard over the keys or one on the screen of the computer.
• Alternative Mice: there are alternative mice options for hand control but also for operation using other parts of the body. For example roller ball mice can be used with the hands or feet, there are options for head control and eye control of a computer.
• Voice operation:  software options that enable the user to control the computer using their voice.
• Software: there are options for software to be installed to adapt the way the computer works and changes the way it can be controlled.
• Switch operation: accessing the computer using a single switch, employing methods of scanning the items on the screen.

A computer can be a desktop or laptop or a smartphone or tablet. When referring into the service it is important to include what device is to be used as this helps in the assessment process.

The team will work with users on their own device, the NHS do not fund the provision of a computer.

The EAT service will ensure the user is shown how to use the equipment to access the computer, however it is not possible for us to train the user on how to use the computer (for example to use Windows or the Apps on the iPad. The criteria state that the user must understand how to use a computer or have support locally to learn.

Environmental control enables operation of a range of electronic and electrical devices via remote control. These systems range from being very basic with only a few functions to very complex systems. Each is tailored to meet the needs of the user which is determined through the specialist assessment conducted by the clinical team.

Examples of equipment that can be operated include:

• Intercoms
• Alarms
• Pagers
• Telephones
• Electric Beds and Chairs
• Home Entertainment Equipment
• Lights
• Smaller Electrical appliances such as lamps, fans etc.
• Door locks and openers
• Curtain openers

The needs of the user will be examined at the assessment with the clinical team, and a recommendation made for equipment. The control of the appropriate functions is often set into a single controller; the method of accessing this controller is tailored to meet the physical ability of the user.

Not all functions are funded through the NHS and alternative funding and provision through other agencies has to be sourced. These include:

• Door, window and curtain openers.
• Page Turners
• Building adaptations
• Electrical, joiner/ carpentry or other minor adaptation
• Telecare Equipment

The Electronic Assistive Technology Service consists of a multi-disciplinary team. The team is as follows:

Clinical Scientist & Service Lead

• Jemma Newman

Occupational Therapist's

• Rebecca Curtis
• Andrea Hollands

Clinical Scientist

• Bernadette Deere (Trainee)

Technicians

• Paul Jones
• Rob Bradley
• Hywel Morris
• Tony Scarlett
• Jonathon Andrews

Administrative Assistants

• Nicola Atwill
• Lucy Quick

Urogynaecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery

The department of Urogynaecology & Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery offers coordinated, holistic care to cover all the aspects of female urinary incontinence and utero-vaginal prolapse. The unit is accredited by the British Society of Urogynaecology (The British Society of Urogynaecology (BSUG)) receiving recognition for the high standards of care provided to women with pelvic floor problems.

We offer a comprehensive range of treatment options from conservative treatments to advanced surgical procedures if appropriate (including keyhole surgery). Treatments are delivered by a dedicated team of doctors (surgeons), specialist nurses and pelvic health physiotherapists.

There is a nurse led pessary service for women requiring fitting, insertion, or changes and for those encountering pessary problems. 

Conditions treated include:

• Female urinary incontinence
  • Stress incontinence: leaking with activities.
  • Overactive bladder: urgent need to pass urine, frequent trips to the toilet and getting up at night associated with or without urinary leakage.
• Painful bladder conditions
• Utero-vaginal prolapse
  • Cystocele: Prolapse of the front wall of the vagina
  • Rectocele: Prolapse of the back wall of the vagina
  • Uterus: Prolapse of the womb
  • Vault: Prolapse of the top of the vagina after a hysterectomy

We work closely with the departments of urology and colorectal surgery in complex pelvic floor problems involving the bladder and bowel.

Useful links and further information

• British Society of Urogynaeology (BSUG)
• International Urogynaecological Association (IUGA)
• The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)
• International Continence Society (ICS)
• Bladder and Bowel Foundation
• Patient Health Information
• Information about pelvic floor exercises produced by our physiotherapists including a useful video. Pelvic floor exercises for women | North Bristol NHS Trust

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published January 2025. Review due January 2028. NBT003773

GNC Number: 6106690

Year of first qualification: 2000, Turin Medical School

Specialty: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 

Clinical interests: Malignant Melanoma, Non Melanoma Skin Cancers, Sentinel Lymph node Biopsy, Post MOHS Reconstruction

Secretary: Rachael Jones

Telephone: 0117 414 7603

Email: Rachael.jones@nbt.nhs.uk

GNC Number: 6027153

Year of first qualification: 2001, University of Southampton

Specialty: Rheumatology

Clinical interests: General rheumatology, early inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue diseases

Secretary: Pamela Stone

Telephone number: 0117 414 2851

Dr Lynsey Clarke is involved in all aspects of adult rheumatology.

Dr Clarke has particular interests in early inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue disease.

She is a member of the British Society for Rheumatology and the Royal College of Physicians.