Accessibility at our hospitals
One in seven people have some form of disability. For some, this can impact their ability to access our services or online content
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AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
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Accessibility statement
We’re constantly working to make the gloshospitals.nhs.uk website as accessible as possible for every user. Read more in our Accessibility Statement
The Accessible Information Standard
We want every patient’s experience of using our hospital services to be positive. We strive to ensure that all of our patients, their families, carers and friends feel confident in our services. This includes making sure that when people receive letters with important information like appointments, referrals and results, these are provided in a format that meets their needs.
If you have a disability, impairment or sensory loss we want to make sure you can access and understand information, and receive any communication support you need
The Accessible Information Standard (AIS) means that all NHS Trusts must ensure that patients, carers and parents of patients, and visitors who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss receive information they can access and understand. We strive to ensure that information is given in the appropriate format and all patient information is produced according to accessibility standards. This includes:
- large font patient letters and patient information
- verbal and visual communication support
- patient information and patient letters in braille
- personalised communication for people with a learning disability
AIS letters
To get letters sent to you in a format that meets your needs, you simply have to mention this to our reception staff when you next attend a hospital appointment. Alternatively, you can speak to your consultant's secretary or booking team to ensure that your records are updated.
Patient information leaflets
The majority of our patient information leaflets are now available online in an accessible format, which means that people who are visually impaired or have sensory loss can use a screen reader to read the information to them. Being online, the information can be increased to any required size. We also strive to ensure that all our information, even complex information, is communicated in a way that results in accurate, clear and concise content.
Easy Read patient leaflets
You can search for easy read patient information leaflets on our website.
Disabled access and support
Parking spaces for 'disabled (blue)' badge holders are located around our hospitals and are marked on the hospital maps. There are access ramps at many of our entrances and disabled accessible toilet facilities, including Changing Places facilities.
Learning disabilities
Patients and visitors with learning disabilities may need special consideration to ensure they receive the care and treatment which meets their specific needs and maintains their safety. Preparation is crucial in supporting people with learning disabilities; whether carrying out examinations, investigations, treatment or supporting an admission onto a ward.
We may be able to make adjustments to ensure that the journey into hospital goes more smoothly, for example through pre-visits or by arranging appointments that will minimise waiting.
- Our Learning Disability Liaison nurse Nikki Price can be contacted for help and advice. Telephone: 0300 422 4953/4985, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
- Nikki helps to support adults and children, their carers and family who have a learning disability. Nikki also works with hospital staff to help them understand how best to support and care for people who have a learning disability.
- It is also very helpful for the health passport to be filled in. Use the Health Passport that you can print and then write into and bring with you when you come to hospital.
- You can email Nikki: ghn-tr.learningdisability@nhs.net
Translation and interpreting
If English is not your first language, we can provide interpreters to support you.
Interpreters: Please speak to the staff in the ward or department you are visiting when you arrive. They can arrange for an interpreter to help you. Alternatively please contact us for further advice.
Translation: You can translate health information on this website using an online translator. Although online translators can accurately translate individual words and phrases, they may not always be able to interpret the meaning of larger or more complex pieces of information.
Visual or hearing impairments
To help us provide the best care and for our staff to understand your needs, if you are coming into hospital and you have a hearing or visual impairment please let us know as soon as possible.
If you are staying as a patient overnight, with your permission our staff could display an eye or ear pictogram by your bedside. This will help those who are caring for you understand your communication needs.
Hearing impairment
British Sign Language interpreters can be arranged to support you during your visit or stay.
In partnership with Gloucestershire Deaf Association (GDA) we created some Deaf Communication Cards. For more information or to obtain your card, please contact admin@gda.org.uk or call 01452 372999.
Visual Impairment
We worked with the Gloucestershire Sight Loss Council to create these hospital audio guides for Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
If you feel that you are not getting the support you need, please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) team.