To ensure that all patients, including those with disability or impairment, can physically access the practice’s premises and services easily and safely, the practice could:
- provide pathways, hallways, consultation areas and toilets that are wheelchair-friendly
- have a wheelchair that patients can use while they are at the practice
- install appropriate ramps and railings
- use pictures, signs and other sources of information to help patients who have intellectual disability or vision impairment, or are not fluent in English
- have a transport service for patients who cannot otherwise get to the practice
- facilitate access for patients who do not use or have access to digital health technologies, so they are not disadvantaged.
To improve its non-physical access for patients with disability or impairment, the practice could:
- provide options that optimise comfort and safety and minimise distress (for example, adjust environmental, sensory and other elements of the practice setting)
- use existing and emerging technology to give patients access to telehealth consultations
- offer home visits, where appropriate.
To support patients who may have safety concerns when attending, the practice could:
- offering flexible appointment types, such as telehealth or home visits
- alternative contact arrangements
- quieter appointment times where appropriate
- alternative entry arrangements to the practice.