If you are coming to hospital and have any particular accessibility needs, please let us know in advance.
This will allow so that we can make the necessary arrangements to meet your needs.
The Trust has a number of services in place to help people access care and services.
The AccessAble website aims to answer questions about the accessibility of places people need to visit. It has been developed by the disabled people who use it, reflecting the needs of people with a wide range of impairments.
Currently the website features over 125,000 venues, including the Trust’s:
- Dental Hospital
- Royal Victoria Infirmary
- Great North Children’s Hospital
- Freeman Hospital
- community services across the city.
By using the guide people can find out:
- whether accessible parking bays are available
- how far you would need to walk to get to an entrance
- if a hearing loop is available at reception
- what side the transfer space is in an accessible toilet
- whether there are tactile lift buttons
- if staff have received dementia training
- if background music is played
- whether flashing fire alarms are available
- if there are places to sit and rest.
The guides are also useful for people who would just like to know more about things such as parking, walking distances and toilet facilities.
Sign Language Interpreter Service
We are delighted to enable British Sign Language users to contact us using a Sign Language interpreter, through the InterpretersLive! service provided by Sign Solutions.
Find out more about our Sign Language Interpreter Service here
English for Health
A series of videos and accompanying workbooks have been created to help those who don’t have English as a first language to better understand healthcare in the UK and the NHS.
The videos cover:
1. An introduction to the NHS
2. How to use a GP
3. How to find the right help
Find out more here.
Text Relay
Text relay helps people who are deaf, hard of hearing and have speech difficulties communicate with anyone over the phone using the Relay UK app. The service uses a Relay Assistant who types the other person’s conversation for you to read on your device and allows you to type your response which the Relay Assistant will read to the person you called. The Relay UK app can be used on your mobile, tablet or PC and is free to use.
Calls are charged at your normal rates with your phone providers. Simply call the number you would like to contact using the Relay UK app and you will be connected via a Relay Assistant. The service can also be used for your incoming calls if you answer incoming calls using the Relay UK app. More information on the service and how to download the app is available here.
