New online guides detail accessibility at three DBTH hospitals
Patients and visitors can check access arrangements at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals before travelling after 140 detailed online guides were published.
The free guides cover Bassetlaw Hospital, Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Montagu Hospital and are available through the Trust’s website. They were developed with AccessAble and funded by DBTH Charity.
Trained surveyors assessed the three sites, recording practical information about entrances, lifts, toilets, parking, lighting, signage and assistive listening facilities. The guides are intended to help people understand what they will encounter and decide what support they may need.
Information is provided for a range of mobility and sensory requirements, as well as for people who may be anxious about visiting an unfamiliar setting. The guides also identify stoma-friendly facilities, Changing Places toilets and quiet spaces for neurodivergent users or anyone seeking a calmer environment.
Adrian Petts, Head of Charity at DBTH Charity, said: “We’re really proud to have funded this project, which will help patients, visitors and colleagues feel more confident when visiting our hospitals. Having clear, practical accessibility information available in advance can reduce uncertainty and help people feel better prepared.
“Thanks to the generosity of our local communities, we can support projects like this that enhance experiences beyond what the NHS alone can provide.”
The guides are integrated into the DBTH website and optimised for mobile phones, allowing people to consult them before a visit or while at a hospital.
Accessibility tools available through the AccessAble website include Recite Me, which can read content aloud, translate it into multiple languages and change font size, colour contrast and background colours. Convo video interpreting is also available for British Sign Language users, providing support for members of the Deaf community.
Anna Nelson, Chief Executive at AccessAble, said: “Visiting hospital can be daunting, particularly when you are unsure what to expect or whether your individual access requirements will be met. Having reliable, detailed information in advance can make a real difference, helping people plan their visits with confidence and make informed decisions about their care.”
The AccessAble findings and recommendations will also be used by the Trust to identify and prioritise changes across its hospitals, including short-term work and longer-term planning.
Kirsty Clarke, Associate Chief Nurse at DBTH, said: “We want everyone who visits our hospitals to feel welcome and supported. These Detailed Access Guides provide practical information to help people plan ahead, understand what to expect and feel more confident and independent when accessing our services.”
The guides can be found at https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/ or by searching for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on the AccessAble website.
