NoWDOC introduce new text messaging service for deaf people

NoWDOC in County Donegal is introducing a new text messaging service to improve access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
It’s thought the model could be extended across all the emergency services, allowing the services to access the details of deaf or hard of hearing people.
The new service, which will go live in January, will allow deaf people and others with hearing difficulties to register their details with the NoW DOC service, giving them access to a dedicated mobile telephone number. This means if they require treatment, they can text the number, and their details will be immediately available to the operator.
The HSE says this will allow the patient secure the necessary help quickly and easily.
The manager of the service says she would like to see it extended to other branches of the medical service, and discussions are already underway with the emergency coordination centre in Ballyshannon.
NoWDOC is currently registering patients for the service, which is set to go “live” in January 2011 following the registration process, and those who have not already registered are being urged to do so.
The new service is being piloted in Donegal from next month, and it will be rolled out across the region later in the year.