Accessible Information
We want to communicate with our patients in the best way possible. If you find it hard to read our letters or if you need some communication support for your appointments, please let us know. We can provide information in a number of formats.
It may be that you have requirements that are not shown here. If you do, please let us know so we can help.
As standard practice, we will:
- Ask people if they have any information or communication needs and find out how to meet their needs.
- Record those needs clearly and in a set way.
- Highlight or flag the person’s file or notes so it is clear that they have information or communication needs and how to meet those needs.
- Share people’s information and communication needs with other providers of NHS and adult social care, when they have consent or permission to do so.
- Take steps to ensure that people receive information which they can access and understand, and receive communication support if they need it.
Reasonable Adjustments
All disabled people have the right to reasonable adjustments. This includes when using healthcare, including GP practices.
We need to make it as easy for disabled people to use health services. This is called making reasonable adjustments.
Reasonable adjustments are changes which mean people with a disability can access the healthcare they need.
Reasonable adjustments are dependent on the person. Everyone has different needs. Some examples might include:
- making sure there is good access for people who use a wheelchair in the surgery
- providing plain English or easy read appointment letters.
- giving someone a priority appointment if they find it difficult waiting in their GP surgery or hospital.
- offering a longer appointment if someone needs more time with a doctor or nurse to make sure they understand the information they are given.
- having a quiet space available for people waiting for their appointment.
- making sure there is a hearing loop system in consultation rooms
- using a communication chart to support a person with dementia during an appointment.
Please let us know if you require any type adjustment to access our services, so we can record this information and add it to your record. You can do this by telling our reception team, our Practice Manager or your doctor or nurse about the adjustments you need. It is best you do this prior to needing an appointment, so the practice can make the necessary adjustments in advance.
The NHS has introduced the Reasonable Adjustments Digital Flag tool. This enables practices to record patients’ reasonable adjustments using an approved NHS template with an option to share with other healthcare providers upon consent from the patient to do so. Your consent will enable other healthcare providers to offer the agreed reasonable adjustment when you attend other health related appointments, for example at the hospital.