The Equality Act (2010) states all organisations including health and social care, such as hospitals and GP surgeries must take steps to remove the barriers individuals face because of disability. 

The NHS must make it as easy for disabled people to use health services as it is for people who are not disabled. 

Disability is one of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. 

If you support someone with a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to do normal daily activities, please make sure they have good access to healthcare. 

You can do this by making changes, often quite small, to the way that you care for people. These changes are called reasonable adjustments.

These can be things like:

• making sure there is good access for people who use a wheelchair in GP surgeries or hospitals
• 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 
• making sure you fill in information about the appointment if a person has a hospital or health and care passport
• ensure there is access to a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter to support at appointments or an internet video link that could be used with BSL
• using a communication chart to support a person with dementia during an appointment 

Reasonable adjustments are a legal requirement to make sure health services are accessible to all disabled people. 

As a practice we are supporting all patients who require reasonable adjustments:

• A wheelchair is available upon request at reception
• If you require a longer apppointment with one of our practitioners, please ensure you inform our reception team when booking
• A hearing loop system is available at the practice
• If you need a quiet space to wait or to speak to a practitioner please make the reception team aware 
• A larger, clearer font can be available on request for letters and communications
• Accessibility widget available for all to use on practice website

Please do not hesistate to ask our practice staff for help and assistance if you require any of these.