Photo caption: Maria Kane, Quality Manager and Aisling Colling, Interim Chief Operations Officer, St James’s Hospital pictured with former Dublin footballer Alan Brogan at the launch of Just A Minute (JAM) cards© in the hospital. JAM cards allow people with a hidden disability to tell others they need 'Just A Minute' discreetly and easily. Photographer: Anthony Edwards.
JAM© stands for Just. A. Minute. and the card gives people with additional needs an opportunity to ask for patience if they have difficulty using words. It makes situations like attending the hospital less stressful as it assists with communication and supports the person to be independent.
Originally developed by the NOW Group charity by and for those with learning difficulties and disabilities, the card has now expanded to include anyone with a hidden disability or communication barrier.
JAM© was introduced to the hospital in response to feedback from patients, relatives and staff members who reported that many patients with additional needs, such as Autism or Intellectual Disability, experience difficulties in the hospital.
Recognising the need to address the difficulties faced by some patients, the Additional Needs Working Group was established and the introduction of the JAM© card is its first improvement initiative.
The JAM Card© provides an easy way for hospital staff to identify people with communication barriers and hidden disabilities so that they can provide quality person-centred care based on their needs.
The card is available in card or app form, and is a discreet, silent and easy device for telling others that you need ‘Just A Minute’ in any scenario.
More information on JAM Card© can be found at: www.jamcard.org.