Making Our Services Accessible to Everyone
At St.Katharine Docks Practice, we are committed to providing accessible, inclusive and equitable healthcare services for all our patients.
We recognise that some people may need additional support or changes to the way our services are provided. These changes are known as reasonable adjustments and are intended to help patients access safe and effective healthcare fairly.
What Is a Reasonable Adjustment?
A reasonable adjustment is a change to a service, appointment or environment that helps someone with a disability or additional need access healthcare on an equal basis.
You may benefit from reasonable adjustments if you have:
- A physical disability or mobility difficulty
- A hearing or visual impairment
- A learning disability
- Autism
- A long-term physical or mental health condition
- Sensory loss
- A communication difficulty
- Another disability or impairment that affects how you access healthcare
Reasonable adjustments are considered individually and should be tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Communication Support
We understand that some patients may need additional support to communicate with us or understand information about their healthcare.
Depending on your individual needs and availability, we may be able to provide or arrange:
- Professional interpreter services
- British Sign Language support
- Large-print information
- Easy Read information
- Written information following a consultation
- Communication by email or text message where appropriate
- Additional support to help you understand healthcare information
Please tell us about any communication needs when booking an appointment so that we can consider appropriate support.
Interpreter Services
We can arrange professional interpreter support where required.
If English is not your preferred language, please tell us:
- Which language you use
- Whether you need an interpreter
- Whether you have any additional communication requirements
Please request an interpreter when booking your appointment so that appropriate arrangements can be considered.
British Sign Language Support
British Sign Language support may be arranged for patients who need it, subject to availability and advance notice.
Please tell us when booking your appointment if you require:
- A British Sign Language interpreter
- Written communication
- Additional time to communicate
- Another form of communication assistance
Interpreter services and British Sign Language interpreters are included among the communication adjustments that the practice may provide.
Large-Print Information
We may be able to provide correspondence and patient information in large print.
Please let us know if you:
- Have difficulty reading standard-size print
- Need letters in a larger font
- Require written information in another accessible format
- Need help understanding information about your healthcare
Large-print correspondence is one of the accessible formats identified in our Reasonable Adjustments Policy.
Easy Read Information
Easy Read information uses simple words, clear sentences and pictures where appropriate to make information easier to understand.
Where available, we can provide or signpost you to Easy Read information. We may also provide written information following a consultation if this would help you understand your care.
Please tell us if you need:
- Easy Read information
- Help understanding a letter or form
- Information explained in a different way
- Additional time to ask questions
- Written information following your consultation
Wheelchair and Mobility Access
Wheelchair-accessible consultation rooms and assistance with navigating the premises are available where appropriate.
If you have mobility or physical access requirements, please contact us before attending. This will allow our team to consider the most suitable arrangements for your visit.
Please tell us if you:
- Use a wheelchair or mobility aid
- Need an accessible consultation room
- Require assistance when entering or moving around the practice
- Have another physical access requirement
Appointment Adjustments
Depending on your individual needs, availability and what is clinically appropriate, we may be able to provide:
- A longer appointment
- A first or last appointment of the day
- A priority appointment where clinically appropriate
- Flexible booking arrangements
- Additional consultation time
- A quieter waiting arrangement where available
- Support from a carer, family member or advocate during a consultation
- Visual communication tools
- Written information following an appointment
Please discuss your needs with our reception team when booking.
Home Visits
A home visit may be considered if you are housebound or unable to attend the practice because of your medical condition.
Home visits are based on clinical need. A clinician will consider the information provided and decide the most appropriate way to support you.
If you think you need a home visit, please contact the practice and explain why you are unable to attend.
Support from a Carer or Advocate
You may ask for a carer, family member, support worker or advocate to support you during a consultation where appropriate.
Please tell us when booking if you would like someone to support you or if you need help understanding information and participating in decisions about your care.
Tell Us Your Communication Preferences
Please tell us how you prefer us to communicate with you.
Depending on your individual needs, your preferences may include:
- Telephone
- Text message
- Large-print correspondence
- Easy Read information
- Written information
- Interpreter support
- British Sign Language support
- Communication through an agreed carer or representative, where appropriate
We will consider your individual needs and agree suitable communication arrangements with you.
How to Request Support
You can tell us about your accessibility or communication needs:
- When registering with the practice
- When making an appointment
- During an appointment or consultation
- By speaking to reception
- By speaking to the Practice Manager
- By telling a doctor, nurse or another healthcare professional
Please also tell us if your needs or communication preferences change.
Recording Your Requirements
Where an adjustment is agreed, we will record the relevant information on your clinical record so that appropriate members of the practice team are aware of the support you need.
We may review this information during future contact and update it if your needs change. The practice will implement NHS Reasonable Adjustment Flag requirements where available and appropriate. policy | Word]
Contact Us
St Katharine Docks Practice
12/14 Nightingale House
50 Thomas More Street
London E1W 1UA
Telephone: 020 7488 3653
Email: nelondonicb.skd@nhs.net
Website: https://stkatharinedocks.nhs.uk/
Do you need additional support?
Please tell us what would make it easier for you to contact the practice, attend an appointment, understand information or participate in decisions about your healthcare. We will discuss your needs and consider reasonable and practicable adjustments on an individual basis.