We have a number of services and support options to help people with particular access requirements.
If you let us know your needs in advance, this will allow us to make the necessary arrangements to help.
The AccessAble website aims to answer questions about the accessibility of a range of places and has been developed by the people who use it, reflecting the needs of people with a wide range of different abilities or impairments.
Currently the website features over 125,000 venues, including our:
- 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
British sign language users can contact us using a sign language interpreter through the InterpretersLive! service provided by Sign Solutions – find out more about this service here.
Videos and booklets for those who don’t have English as a first language
A series of videos and accompanying workbooks have been created to help those who don’t have English as a first language, to help 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 or 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 assistant will read to the person you called. The Relay UK app can be accessed on your mobile, tablet or PC and is free to use.
Calls are charged at your normal rates with your phone provider. 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.
