Reasonable adjustments in everyday access

Reasonable adjustments make healthcare accessible for disabled patients. For people with a learning disability, these adjustments commonly relate to time, communication, appointment planning, reminders and familiar support.

Common adjustments

Examples include a longer appointment where policy allows, a quiet waiting area, being booked first or last in the clinic, easy read letters, a pre-visit phone call to a carer, permission to wait outside until called, and clear written instructions after a call.

Adjustments should be recorded in the practice system so any staff member can see and act on them, rather than relying on one person to remember.

Check whether the route works

• Can the patient use the appointment system?
• Can they manage the waiting environment?
• Do they understand reminders and letters?
• Does the supporter have appropriate consent or authority?

A reasonable adjustment should make the healthcare route usable, not simply note that the patient struggles.

If you are unsure which adjustment is needed, check the record, ask the patient or supporter what usually helps, and escalate rather than inventing an immediate workaround at the desk.

Adjustments are most useful when linked to a specific task. "Needs support" is vague; "easy read letter and afternoon appointments preferred" gives staff a clear action.

Reasonable Adjustment Flag