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Accessible Information and Reasonable Adjustments

Last Updated: Thursday, 19 June 2025

Accessible information –

The Accessible Information Standard is a requirement that all NHS organisations, including GP practices, must follow to ensure that people with disabilities, impairments, or sensory loss or their carers are given information in a format they can easily read or understand.

So, we can help and support you, we want to know.

  • If you need information in a specific format, e.g. braille, large print or easy read
  • If you need to receive information in a particular way
  • If you need someone to support you at appointments, e.g. a sign language interpreter or an advocate
  • We want to know if you lip-read or use a hearing aid or communication tool

Please let us know if you require any support so we can record this information and add it to your record.  You can tell our reception team, doctor, or nurse about the support you need. It is best to do this before needing an appointment so that the practice can make the necessary adjustments.

NHS England has more information on the standard, available in various formats, including easy read, audio and BSL video with subtitles.  You can see these by clicking the link below:

NHS England » Patients

Do you have communication needs? | Healthwatch

 

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 ensure they understand the information 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 of of adjustment to access your appointments so we can record this information and add it to your record. You can do this by telling our reception team, doctor, or nurse 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.