Disability Action Group

MTW Disability Action Group

The Disability Action Group was set up at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust in July 2008 and has an elected committee of 13 members representing staff, patients and visitors interests. There is also a wider group of members including staff, voluntary sector organisations and Managers who are represented and supported by the committee.

Our aims

The aim of the group is to:

• Raise awareness about disability including people's rights, the law, barriers that people face and support available.
• To work in partnership with Trust Management to proactively address identified and potential barriers.
• To give staff, patients and visitors a voice and support on disability specific issues.
• To support culture change so that we become an employer and health provider of choice.

2009/10 plans

In 2009/2010 we will be working with the New Hospital Director to ensure that the new hospital is fully accessible, holding awareness raising events and workshops, securing resources to support Managers and members of staff to give the best possible service to patients, visitors and colleagues regardless of their circumstances. We will also be working in partnership with the Trust BME network to identify common goals and barriers and develop a new Single Equality Scheme for the Trust.

What do we mean by disability?

There are a vast array of health conditions that are protected by the Disability Discrimination Act and these include physical, sensory and cognitive impairments, mental health difficulties, long term health conditions (such as MS, cancer & M.E), learning disabilities and neurodiversity and learning differences or difficulties such as dyslexia or dyspraxia.

MTW Disability Champions

Sarah James Whatman is the Chair of the Disability Action Group and has had M.E/Chronic Fatigue syndrome since the age of 19.

Becoming a member or seeking advice

If you are interested in getting involved with the groups work or would like advice regarding a health condition that you believe may be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act then please contact the group at sjames5@nhs.net.

• To download a copy of the MTW Disability Equality Scheme Implementation Review February 2009, click here>