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.

We hope that you are pleased with the service you have received and that you never have reason to feel concerned about our services. However, if you do have an issue, the best thing to do is speak with a senior member of the team, either the Senior Nurse in charge or the Matron on duty. If you do this as soon as possible we can hopefully resolve the matter immediately. We understand that you may not feel comfortable doing this, or it may not be the right time. In which case, please contact the Patient Experience Team.

A concern

You may not wish to raise a complaint but would like us to be aware of an issue and try to make it right. In this case, our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) will deal with your concerns and try to resolve these for you as quickly as possible.
To raise a concern, you can:
• Complete the form selecting ‘raising a concern’
• Visit the PALS team in the PALS office, Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 12:30, Gate 0, Brunel building, Southmead Hospital. 
On some occasions, there may be a need to close the PALS office due to capacity.  If the PALS office is closed or outside of hours, please call and leave a message or email, and we will contact you within two working days. 
• Email pals@nbt.nhs.uk
• Call 0117 414 4569

A complaint

If you are unhappy with the treatment or service you have received and you would like this to be formally investigated and responded to, you have the right to make a complaint. Making a complaint helps us to see where we can improve and make positive changes.
Please note the complaints process takes around 35 working days.
To make a formal complaint you can:
• Complete the form selecting ‘making a complaint’
• Email complaints@nbt.nhs.uk
• Call 0117 414 4567 
• Write to:
Complaints Team,
Beaufort House,
Southmead Hospital
Bristol
BS10 5NB

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Healthwatch

Healthwatch Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire is your local, independent health and social care champion. If you use GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or other support services, they want to hear about your experiences.  

Healthwatch has the power to make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers listen to your feedback and improve standards of care. They also help people find reliable and trustworthy information and advice. Share your views by completing a feedback form based on the area you live in. Healthwatch collect demographic information but your personal details will never be passed on to any service without your consent.

www.healthwatchbristol.co.uk/share-your-views

www.healthwatchnorthsomerset.co.uk/share-your-views

www.healthwatchsouthglos.co.uk/share-your-views