Reasonable adjustments

We want everyone to be able to access our services and receive safe care that meets their needs. If you have a disability, you may need extra support when using healthcare services. 

Reasonable adjustments are changes we make, where possible, to remove barriers and make it easier for disabled people to access care. They might include:

• giving information in easy read
• more time during appointments
• a quiet waiting area
• having a carer, family member or advocate involved in appointments
• communication and language support, such as a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter
• staff explaining things in a way that works for you

Asking for reasonable adjustments

If you have a disability and need support to access our services, please tell us.

We can discuss reasonable adjustments with you, or you can ask a carer, family member, advocate or someone else who supports you to help.

You do not need to know exactly what adjustment you need. We can talk with you about what support might help.

You, or someone who supports you, can ask for adjustments by:

• talking to a member of staff
• asking during an appointment
• contacting the service providing your care

Our hospital passport

If you have a learning disability, our easy read passport helps you record and share your needs. You can complete it before your visit and give it to staff involved in your care.

How we put adjustments in place

We're committed to understanding your needs and supporting your care. We'll always aim to make reasonable adjustments where appropriate.

We consider reasonable adjustments on an individual basis. What is possible may vary depending on the service, the clinical environment and your healthcare needs.

If we're unable to make an adjustment

Not every adjustment will be possible in every situation. For example, some adjustments may not be clinically safe or practical in certain healthcare settings.

If we cannot provide a particular adjustment, we'll explain why and discuss other ways we may be able to support you.

Changing your adjustments

You can ask for your reasonable adjustments to be reviewed at any time if your circumstances or needs change.

If information about your adjustments is incorrect, please tell your healthcare team.

How we record your adjustments

Information about the support you need is recorded in your digital health record (the information our organisation holds about you). This is called a Reasonable Adjustments Digital Flag.

Any teams supporting you will be able to see this information so you do not have to repeat yourself before or at your appointments. 

Only authorised staff involved in your care can access this information. We use this information to support your care, improve access to services and help meet our legal duties under the Equality Act 2010.

Your information is handled in line with NHS confidentiality, data protection and information governance requirements.