Access

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At the Pembridge Villas surgery we understand the importance of access for disabled patients.

The original building was not purpose-built as a surgery but we have made adjustments in order to accommodate our disabled patients.

We have installed a special button for wheelchair and buggy access so that patients can simply press this to open the door upon entering and exiting the surgery. We also have a stair lift installed on the ground floor to ensure that patients have access to clinical rooms.

We also have a toilet with disabled access.

If you have any concerns prior to your visit please call ahead to let us know and we will do our best to help.

Loop System

There is a Hearing Loop in reception for use by people with hearing aids and the building has been designed and decorated to make it easier for people with visual problems. We have a disabled toilet and baby change facilities.

• British Deaf Association
• The Deaf Health Charity – SignHealth
• Action Hearing Loss
• Royal Association for Deaf People
• National Deaf Children’s Society

Blind / Partially Sighted

If you or family members are blind or partially sighted we can give you a large print of our practice leaflet upon request. Please ask Reception for further information.

For more advice and support for blind people please see the following websites:

• Royal National Institute of Blind People (RIND)
• British Wireless for the Blind Fund
• British Blind Sport

Guide Dogs

Guide dogs are welcome at the surgery but we ask that you be aware of other patients and staff who may have an allergy or fear of dogs.

Further Information:

• Guide Dogs

Interpretation Services

We can arrange/call for a translator or sign language interpreter to be present or available on the telephone when this is required by a patient.

Making Health Care Information Accessible

The aim of the accessible information standard is to make sure that people with a medical condition which affects their ability to communicate, get information that they can access and understand, and have any communication support they might need

The standard tells organisations how to make information accessible to people in the format they need, as well as support people’s communication needs, for example by offering support from a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, deaf/blind manual interpreter or an advocate.

Our Communication with You

At The Pembridge Villas Surgery, we want to make sure that we are communicating with you in a way that is easy for you and that you can understand:

• We want to know if you need information in a specific format e.g. braille, large print or easy read
• We want to know if you need to receive information in a particular way
• We want to know if you need someone to support you at appointments e.g. a sign language interpreter or an advocate
• We want to know if you lip-read or use a hearing aid or communication tool

What We Will Do, To Meet the Standard

• Ask patients and carers if they have any information or communication needs, and find out how to meet their needs
• Record those needs in a set way
• Highlight a patient’s file, so it is clear that they have information or communication needs, and clearly explain how these needs should be met
• Share information about a person’s needs with other NHS and adult social providers, when they have consent or permission to do so
• Make sure that people get information in an accessible way and communication support if they need it

Further information about the Accessible Information Standard

Other Disability Websites

• BID Services
• Disability Go
• Disabled People, your Rights, Benefits, Carers and the Equality Act
• Disability Rights UK
• Living with a Disability NHS Choices
• Disability Action
• Mencap