Is it an emergency?Under the Equality Act 2010 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 making reasonable adjustments.
People with a physical disability, sensory disability, learning disability or long-term condition such as dementia are entitled to reasonable adjustments. Reasonable adjustments are individual and should be tailored to the person.
These adjustments remove barriers that people face. For example:
- Providing information in an easy read format
- Installing a ramp
- Providing a longer appointment time
- Providing a quiet room for people to wait in
Tips for people who need reasonable adjustments
- Think about what reasonable adjustments you need and write them down.
- Ask for your reasonable adjustments when making a health or care appointment.
- Ask for your reasonable adjustments to be recorded and flagged.
- Use the words ‘I need reasonable adjustments’ when asking for them. Then explain what they are or what is difficult.
- Give consent for your reasonable adjustments information to be shared with other health and care staff.
- If you are told you cannot have reasonable adjustments, ask why. You can challenge the decision.
- Check the reasonable adjustments you need are recorded, flagged and up to date.
Use of reasonable adjustments to reduce health inequalities for people with a learning disability
Use of reasonable adjustments to reduce health inequalities for people with a learning disability
If you have questions or need help
Get in touch with our Patient Advice and Liaison Service if have any questions, or you think you are not being given the reasonable adjustments you need.