Here you can find out about reasonable adjustments and accessibility of our hospitals.
What are reasonable adjustments:
The Equality Act 2010 makes it a legal requirement for the NHS to make it easy for people with a learning disability and / or autism, to use health services, by making reasonable adjustments.
Reasonable adjustments can include:
- a carer staying in hospital overnight with you (they may need a carer's bed)
- carers lanyards when on the wards
- providing easy read information about care and / or treatment
- a longer appointment
- time to meet a learning disability nurse before your appointment
- more time and support, so you understand what you will need at the hospital
- please bring your hospital passport, staff will have this printed at the bedside for all staff to get to know your care and support needs.
- please ensure staff are fully informed of the patient’s eating / swallowing abilities (a referral to the Speech and Language Therapy Team will be made if needed)
- usage of a patient communication passport or be aware of their communication needs, for example, talking mats, communication symbols, Makaton
- a side room will be offered if possible
- staff will involve family, carers, spouses for clarity on issues which would help support the patient’s care
Hospital passport
A hospital passport is sometimes called a health and care passport. If you have a hospital passport, please bring it with you as this will help hospital staff know about what medication you are taking, and what you like and what you don’t like, how you communicate, reasonable adjustments and anxieties.
They are great tool to help health professionals get to know you better.
We encourage you to complete one and bring it with you to share with the hospital staff if you are coming into hospital for admission or attending an outpatient appointment.
You do not have to have one, but it will help staff to give care in ways better suited to your needs.
Download a blank hospital passport here:
Completed passports
It is helpful for people to send their completed hospital passports to the Learning Disability Team via email.
