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Access to NHS Services for People with Disabilities

Issue: A number of people involved with the LINk have raised the issue of disabled access to services. 

Project Lead:   Jonathan Appleton, LINk Team Leader

At a meeting with Choices and Rights, April 2010, we were made aware of some of the existing mechanisms in the city to improve access to services for people with disabilities. This includes the Hull Access Improvement Group (a forum that meets regularly to explore access issues and press for good practice in building use and design) and the Hull LIFT Partnership (part of the NHS LIFT programme which is developing new health buildings).

It was suggested that the issue of communication support is one that can cause a number of problems for patients, particularly those with hearing impairments. Health services have a duty to provide reasonable adjustments to ensure people with disabilities can access services, but there are a number of practical problems. Services are sometimes unwilling to pay for interpreters and there can be problems if interpreters are not booked in sufficient time for appointments. All of this can leave hearing impaired patients without access to the support they need, resulting in severe implications for their health.

Progress so far: 

  • Engagement has been commenced with relevant community groups.
  • Two surveys have been conducted to collect peoples views. One survey was directed at patients, the other was directed at health workers.
  • The findings from our surveys and engagement activities are currently being analysed and complied into a report which will be published in February 2011.