PATIENTS experiencing sight loss are getting additional support thanks to partnership working.

Hannah Keegan is an eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO) employed by the Royal National Institute of Blind People and funded by Simplyhealth who works across all three of the hospitals run by the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Her job is to provide practical and emotional support to anyone affected by sight loss.

She said: “I am available to work with anyone with sight loss, but I have a particular focus on early intervention.

“I refer people to the wide range of services provided by RNIB as well as sensory teams, counselling and other charities who can support them. I’m also available to speak to the friends, family and carers of patients dealing with sight loss.”

Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, in Winchester, and Andover War Memorial Hospital, said: “Losing your sight can be a very difficult and scary experience, so I’m delighted that we are able to provide this extra support to people going through it.

“It’s fantastic that we have Hannah available to give practical advice, guidance and ongoing emotional help in addition to the expertise and support provided by our specialist ophthalmologists. I would like to say a big thank you to RNIB and Simplyhealth for their support and for the funding that allows us to provide this service.”

David Clarke, director of services at RNIB, said: “Having an ECLO like Hannah is one of the best ways a hospital can support its eye clinic patients.

“ECLOs are key in helping patients understand the impact of their diagnosis and providing them with emotional and practical support for their next steps. We’re delighted to be working with Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to ensure this service is available across all three of their hospitals thanks to the support of Simplyhealth.”