The Equality Act (2010) states all organisations including health and social care, such as hospitals and GP surgeries, must make changes to remove the barriers individuals face because of disability. These changes are called reasonable adjustments.
Under the Equality Act, disabilities are a “physical or mental impairment” which has a “substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.”
Reasonable adjustments can be things like:
- making sure there is good access for people who use a wheelchair
- providing plain English or easy read appointment letters
- giving someone a priority appointment if they find it difficult waiting
- offering a longer appointment if someone needs more time to make sure they understand the information they are given.
The Reasonable Adjustments Digital Flag (RADF) is a national record which indicates that Reasonable Adjustments are required for an individual.
NHS England have built the Digital Flag in the NHS Spine to enable health and care professionals to record, share and view details of Reasonable Adjustments across the NHS, wherever the person is seen and /or treated.
Benefits of having an RADF include:
- Immediately and visibly shows your reasonable adjustments to healthcare staff
- Optionally details other significant impairments and underlying conditions that should be considered during care
- Can reduce stress for the patient and their carers by having information available wherever they need treatment
To ask for Reasonable Adjustments and a Digital Flag, either:
- Contact your GP surgery and ask for a questionnaire
- Download one of the below questionnaires and take into your GP surgery once completed (CNLPCN practices only)
Easy Read Reasonable Adjustment Questionnaire
Reasonable Adjustments Questionnaire
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