Reasonable adjustments are a legal requirement to make sure health services are accessible to all people with a disability or impairment (Equality Act 2010). This includes people with a physical disability, sensory disability, learning disability or a long term condition such as dementia.
The NHS must make it as easy for disabled people to use health services as it is for people who are not disabled. This is called making reasonable adjustments. A reasonable adjustment is when someone changes how they do things to make it better for you.
Reasonable adjustments are small adjustments that can make a big difference for people who require support when they attend hospital or any other health appointments.
Examples of reasonable adjustments which can be made include:
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- 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 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
- using a communication chart to support a person with dementia during an appointment.