A service is making life easier for people who are hard of hearing.

A minicom service has been installed at Harrogate District Hospital so those with hearing impairments can get in touch.

The system is now in use in the patient advice and liaison service office and there are plans to install further systems in the outpatients department and the appointments centre.

The minicom system looks similar to a normal telephone but has a keyboard and screen so, rather than talking through the handset, users type their message to the person at the other end.

Liaison service manager Rosemary Petty said: "Learning how to use the minicom system has been relatively straightforward.

"Many people comment about how useful the liaison service is and it's good to know that I can now be of more help to, and communicate easily, with people who are hearing impaired."

The installation of the minicom systems is part of a drive by the local NHS trust to improve communication channels for patients and visitors who have disability issues and need specialised help.