A new minicom line which will enable deaf people to use the NHS Direct service in Essex has been welcomed by the Essex branch of RAD, the Royal Association in Aid of Deaf People.

The NHS Direct 24-hour helpline was launched in Essex in February last year to give people advice about health problems.

Deaf people have been unable to use the service, and RAD has been at the forefront of a campaign to make it more accessible.

Now the new minicom line number -- 01245 444448 -- is available for use by deaf people in Essex.

RAD Essex regional manager Tony Sheill, who has worked closely with NHS Direct to implement the new minicom line, said: " I am really delighted to see a valuable service such as this being made accessible to the deaf community.

"RAD has provided minicom and deaf awareness training to NHS Direct staff and I am confident that they will deliver an excellent service."

Miriam Marchi, administrator of RAD's St Marks Centre, in Chelmsford, said: "This is very important to RAD as a large number of telephone-based services completely exclude deaf people."

RAD Essex has been adopted as the Essex Chronicle's official charity for this year.

The aim of our appeal for the charity is to build up resources for deaf people of all ages in our community.

Vital items of equipment, including special computers, are urgently needed.

If you would like to help the appeal, please contact the newsdesk at the Essex Chronicle, Westway, Chelmsford, on 01245 603360 or e-mail appeal@essex-chronicle.co.uk

Events or support for the appeal will be publicised in the Essex Chronicle.

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