On 12th March we were delighted to learn that Living Options Devon's Deaf Project has been successful in their bid to join the Healthcare Commission's 'Seldom Heard' network.

The Healthcare Commission are the Government 'Watchdog' over NHS Hospitals, Primary Care Trusts and private medicine. They have 'Core Standards' that must be met and they carry out 'Annual Healthchecks' of all NHS organisations. The Commission has been anxious to ensure that they understand the needs and difficulties of people who are often excluded from discussions on improving services.

The inclusion of the Deaf Project in the network will give Deaf people in Devon the opportunity to have their views heard by an organisation who can make things happen. We are also delighted to receive this recognition of the work of the Deaf Project and are looking forward to running our first Healthcare Commission consultation.