What are ‘Reasonable Adjustments’?
Reasonable adjustments are a legal requirement to make sure health services are accessible to all disabled people.
A reasonable adjustment is when you ask for a change or consideration to ensure you are not disadvantaged due to a protected characteristic such as a disability.
You can request reasonable adjustments at work, school, or university or when accessing public services like the NHS.
This is a right protected by law, and organisations must provide them.
We commit to working with our patients to understand their requirements for reasonable adjustments and support them wherever possible.
Reasonable adjustments can be things like:
- making sure there is good access to the Practice for people who use a wheelchair
- providing plain English or easy read appointment letters
- 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
- ensuring that 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 interpretation remotely
- using a communication chart to support a person with dementia during an appointment
Depending on people’s specific needs, these reasonable adjustments can be vital in ensuring they remain involved in everything to do with them and their health.
These videos explain more about reasonable adjustments and the difference they can make to people.
If you, or someone you support, has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term impact on your/their ability to do normal everyday activities, please contact the surgery and ask to discuss reasonable adjustments that may help you or them.