South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has become the first NHS Trust in the north east of England to achieve the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s (RNIB) Visibly Better Employer Standard (VBE).
The Trust, which runs a major new eye hospital that has opened in Sunderland this month, will display a plaque for the award which demonstrates that it offers an inclusive and accessible workplace for blind and partially sighted people.
The new Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital is set to be a centre of excellence for ophthalmology in the north east and will contain facilities including a 24/7 Emergency Department, a Cataract Treatment Centre, a Surgical Day Unit, a Treatment and Investigation Unit, operating theatres and a dedicated room for eye care support services staffed by two Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs) provided by RNIB.
RNIB has worked closely with the Trust to support patient engagement in the development of the hospital plans to ensure the building meets the highest possible accessibility standards.
The aim from the outset was that the hospital, which replaces the ageing Sunderland Eye Infirmary in Queen Alexandra Road, would be an accessible environment for blind and partially sighted patients and staff to thrive. The achievement of the Visibly Better Employer Award, a standard set by RNIB, makes this a reality.
The VBE Standard is a quality framework based on six key criteria, focused on the recruitment, retention and career progression of blind and partially sighted staff. RNIB also monitors the number of blind and partially sighted staff appointed and retained by VBE organisations.
Cathie Burke, RNIB’s Practice Lead for Eye Care Support Services, said: “This was never just about bricks and mortar. The Trust wanted the new Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital to improve services in every way for people with sight loss - from the accessibility of the building and the training of staff, to the way blind and partially sighted people are supported as employees. Achieving Visibly Better Employer is part of that bigger commitment, and shows the Trust wants this new hospital to have a lasting impact beyond simply moving into a new building.”
Katie Morgan-Jones, RNIB’s Inclusive Employment Consultant for the Visibly Better Employer Team, said: “It has been a pleasure working with Divisional HR Manager Ben Moody and the team at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust on their journey to achieving the Visibly Better Employer Quality Standard.
“The Trust has taken meaningful steps to remove barriers to build a truly inclusive culture and has a genuine commitment to creating a workplace where blind and partially sighted people can succeed and thrive.
“Achieving the Visibly Better Employer Standard demonstrates that inclusive and accessible practices can and should be embedded into every workplace. The Trust recognises that attracting people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and skill sets strengthens both its workforce and the services it provides.
“This achievement sends a clear message to people with sight loss that they can apply for roles with confidence, knowing they will be supported throughout their journey and able to develop and progress their careers across the Trust. I look forward to seeing the Trust build on this success and continue to serve as an example of inclusive employment practice across the NHS.”
Ben Moody, Divisional Human Resources Manager at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are so proud to have achieved the RNIB’s Visibly Better Employer Standard and to be the first NHS trust in the North East to receive this recognition.
“Creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and able to reach their full potential is a key priority for the Trust. Working closely with RNIB has helped us strengthen our recruitment practices, workplace support and career development opportunities for blind and partially sighted colleagues.
"As we open the new Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital, it is particularly meaningful that this achievement reflects not only our commitment to providing accessible services for patients, but also to creating rewarding career opportunities for people with sight loss across our organisation. We hope this recognition encourages even more talented people to consider joining our workforce."
The Trust also runs Sunderland Royal Hospital, South Tyneside General Hospital in Sunderland and community health centres including at Durham, Gateshead, Houghton-le-Spring, South Tyneside and Washington. All of these are now covered by the VBE Standard.
