ERIC eNews

ERIC’s Booklet ‘Sam’s Story’ is Highly Commended at the BMA Patient Leaflet Awards

At the prestigious BMA award ceremony on Tuesday 9^th September at BMA House in London, ERIC was proud to be Highly Commended for its booklet ‘Sam’s Story’.  Jenny Perez, Director of ERIC and Eileen Jacques, Information and Helpline Manager travelled to London for the Award Ceremony, representing the author of the booklet, Janet Blannin, Clinical Nurse Specialist, who was unable to attend the ceremony. 

 The booklet produced with Big Lottery Funding as part of the ERIC Outreach Project is written in cartoon form from a child’s perspective.  Sam aged 8, suffers with soiling problems and is referred to the school nurse by his teacher when to his great embarrassment, he soils at school.  The booklet follows Sam’s journey through assessment, treatment and resolution of the problem. 

 Written for children aged 6-10 this bright and appealing booklet has received praise from health professionals and children alike. It covers a topic that is not widely talked about and children often feel too embarrassed to confront. 

The BMA Patient Information Award was established in 1997 to recognise quality in written patient information leaflets and small booklets and to encourage materials which will enhance patients’ understanding of health issues and their ability to participate in decisions about their care.  Entries for the award are assessed on the quality of the information presented, whether it is accurate, evidence-based and addresses all alternatives and uncertainties; it also assesses the leaflet’s effectiveness in conveying this information to the intended readership.

‘This is a bright and colourful leaflet aimed at children informing of an often overlooked topic.  The leaflet addresses the subject in a matter-of-fact and sensitive manner. ‘

This year’s patient information award attracted nearly 300 leaflets from charities, health authorities, hospital trusts and pharmaceutical companies covering a wide range of topics.  ERIC is delighted to have received a Highly Commended Award.

Sam’s story can be downloaded from the ERIC website or contact ERIC for a free copy (while stocks last).