Disability Access

Key Requirements

There are five key requirements of the Standard:

1. Ask patients and carers if they have information or communication needs, and find out how to meet their needs
2. Record those needs clearly and in a set way
3. Alert/flag/highlight a patient’s file, so it is clear that they have information or communication needs and clearly explain how those needs should be met
4. Share information about a person’s needs with other NHS and adult social care providers, when they have consent or permission to do so
5. Act – make sure that people get information in an accessible way and the communication support they need it

At Worthing Medical Group, we will ask newly registered patients about their specific needs on our accessibility needs form, and record this as soon as they are registered.

For existing patients, we will routinely ask patients when they visit.

If a patient states that they have a special communication need, we will advise them that we can offer the following:

• We can print/send letters in large print.
• We can email patient letters.
• We have an induction loop system fitted at Shelley Road.
• We can arrange for a BSL interpreter to attend appointments
• We have a member of staff who is trained in the use of BSL
• We can send text message reminders for appointments.
• We offer online appointment booking.

If a patient’s needs do not fit the above, we will encourage them to discuss their needs with us in more detail so we can make the most suitable arrangements to help them.