Under the Equality Act 2010, all organisations have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments that help make services accessible to everyone, especially those who may face challenges due to a disability, impairment or sensory loss.
What are Reasonable Adjustments?
- Reasonable adjustments are changes we can make to help ensure everyone has fair access to our services. These changes are especially important for people with physical or mental impairments but they can benefit anyone who faces barriers to care.
- Often, reasonable adjustments are small but they can make a big difference.
- Sometimes reasonable adjustments are more complex and need careful planning by health and care teams, especially for people with more complex needs.
Why might you need a Reasonable Adjustment?
- If something makes it harder for you to access or receive healthcare, you can ask for a reasonable adjustment. This is a change that helps make things easier, safer, or more comfortable for you.
- You might need a reasonable adjustment if you experience challenges related to: Vision, Hearing, Mobility, Understanding or Concentrating, Communication, Memory, Mental Health, Social or Behavioural needs, Stamina or Fatigue.
Let us know what you need so we can support you better
- We may already be aware of some of your needs but you can also tell us directly if there’s anything we can do to make our services more accessible and comfortable.
Examples of Reasonable Adjustments
- Ensuring wheelchair access
- Using hearing loop systems in consultation rooms
- Sending letters in plain English, easy-read format or large font
- Whenever possible being able to see the same doctor or nurse each time
- Offering a longer appointment time to give more time for understanding and discussion
- Offering an appointment when the health centre is less busy and noisy
- Having appointments on time and being told if there is a wait or delay
- Having a supporter/carer to talk to you about appointments and my healthcare instead of me talking to you directly
Recording and Sharing your Reasonable Adjustments
- It is important to talk to us and tell us what adjustments you or the person you care for may need. When we record this information, it helps us provide care that’s more supportive, reduces stress, and it makes it a better experience for both you and the people looking after you.
- You can give us permission to share your reasonable adjustments with other healthcare services, so you do not need to tell each service yourself. This is called having a ‘Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag’ on your record.