Helping You Access the Care and Support You Need
At St.Katharome Docks Practice, we are committed to ensuring that every patient can access healthcare services fairly, confidently and in a way that meets their individual needs.
We recognise that some patients may require additional support to understand information, communicate with healthcare professionals, make decisions about their care or access other services. We offer a range of support options, including interpreter services, communication support, reasonable adjustments and signposting to independent advocacy organisations. Our practice arrangements include interpreter and communication support services, advocacy support where appropriate, and compliance with the NHS Accessible Information Standard.
Language Interpretation Services
If English is not your first language, we can arrange a professional interpreter for your appointment.
Interpreter support can be arranged for:
- GP consultations
- Nursing appointments
- Long-term condition reviews
- Health checks
- Care planning discussions
- Other clinical and administrative appointments where appropriate
Please let our reception team know when booking your appointment if you require an interpreter so that arrangements can be made in advance.
The practice works with interpreter and advocacy services to help patients understand healthcare information, participate in decisions about their care and communicate effectively with healthcare professionals.
Communication Support
We want all patients to receive information in a format they can understand.
We can assist patients with additional communication needs by:
- Providing information in large print where available
- Recording communication preferences on medical records
- Offering accessible communication support
- Making reasonable adjustments to improve access to services
- Providing support for patients with hearing, visual or communication difficulties
Our approach is guided by the NHS Accessible Information Standard and our commitment to reducing barriers to healthcare access.
Advocacy Support
Sometimes patients may need extra help to understand their rights, express their views or make informed decisions about their healthcare.
An advocate can help by:
- Explaining healthcare information
- Supporting discussions with healthcare professionals
- Helping patients understand their options
- Ensuring that a patient's voice is heard
- Supporting access to health and social care services
Advocacy services are independent and confidential.
Where appropriate, advocacy support may be arranged or patients may be signposted to suitable local or national services.
Reasonable Adjustments
If you have a disability, sensory impairment, learning disability, long-term condition or any other circumstance that may make it harder to access healthcare services, please let us know.
We will consider reasonable adjustments to help you access care safely and effectively.
Examples may include:
- Longer appointments when appropriate
- Alternative communication methods
- Accessible information formats
- Support from a carer or advocate
- Adjustments to appointments and correspondence
- Assistance with communication requirements
Our aim is to remove barriers and ensure patients receive equitable access to healthcare services.
External Support and Advice
The organisations listed below provide independent information, advice, advocacy and practical support. These services operate separately from the practice and may be able to assist with healthcare, social care, wellbeing, benefits, carers' support and other personal circumstances.
Independent Advocacy Services
POhWER
Independent advocacy service supporting people to understand their rights and be involved in decisions about their care.
Telephone: 0300 456 2370
Website: Visit POhWER
Advocacy People
Provides advocacy support and information for people accessing health and social care services.
Telephone: 0330 440 9000
Website: Visit Advocacy People
Local Health and Care Advice
Healthwatch Tower Hamlets
Healthwatch is the independent champion for people using health and social care services. They can help patients find information and access advocacy services.
Telephone: 020 7364 1290
Website: Healthwatch Tower Hamlets
Support for Older People
Age UK
Provides information, advice and support on wellbeing, benefits, housing, care services and independent living.
Telephone: 0800 055 6112
Website: Visit Age UK
Mental Health Support
Mind
Advice, information and support for anyone experiencing mental health difficulties.
Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans
Confidential emotional support available 24 hours a day.
Telephone: 116 123
Website: https://www.samaritans.org
Support for Carers
Carers UK
Advice, guidance and support for unpaid carers.
Website: https://www.carersuk.org
Disability Support
Disability Rights UK
Information and resources for disabled people, carers and families.
Website: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org
Cost of Living, Benefits and Debt Advice
Citizens Advice
Free and confidential advice on benefits, debt, housing, employment and consumer issues.
Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Domestic Abuse Support
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
Confidential support for women experiencing domestic abuse.
Telephone: 0808 2000 247
Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Tackling Loneliness and Isolation
The Silver Line
Information, friendship and support for older people who may be feeling lonely or isolated.
Telephone: 0800 4 70 80 90
Website: https://www.thesilverline.org.uk
Need Help Finding the Right Service?
If you are unsure which organisation may be able to support you, please speak to a member of our reception team. We can help signpost you to appropriate services and community resources based on your individual needs.
Our goal is to ensure that every patient can access healthcare, information and support in a way that promotes dignity, independence and wellbeing.
Contact St.Katharine Docks Practice
Telephone: 020 7488 3653
Email: nelondonicb.skd@nhs.net
Address: 12-14 Nightingale House, 50 Thomas More Street, London, E1W 1UA
Your Health. Your Voice. Your Care. Supporting You Every Step of the Way.