Reasonable Adjustment

Here at The Gardens Surgery, we are committed to ensuring our practice is accessible and welcoming to everyone. If you have a disability, additional needs, or require extra support when visiting the surgery, please let a member of our team know so we can make reasonable adjustments to help you.

We can provide communication support, including interpreter services where needed. If you require a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or language interpreter, please let us know when booking your appointment so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

If you have mobility needs or require assistance accessing the building, our team will be happy to help. We encourage patients to tell us about any accessibility requirements so we can record these on your medical record and ensure the right support is available for future appointments.

If you need information in an alternative format, such as large print, easy read, braille or audio, please contact the practice and we will do our best to provide this.

Our aim is to ensure that all patients can access our services safely, comfortably and with dignity. If you have any questions about accessibility or need additional support, please speak to a member of our reception team.

Understanding the reasonable adjustment digital flag

Helping make NHS care accessible for everyone.

What is a reasonable adjustment?

A reasonable adjustment is a change made to help people with a disability, long-term condition or communication need access healthcare more easily.

Every patient is different, and sometimes small changes can make a big difference. The NHS has a legal duty to consider and provide reasonable adjustments where appropriate, helping ensure everyone can receive safe, effective and personalised care.

Examples of reasonable adjustments include:

• Longer appointment times
• Easy Read information
• Large print letters
• British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters
• Language interpreters
• Wheelchair-accessible facilities
• A quieter waiting area where possible
• Seeing a familiar clinician when appropriate
• Allowing a carer, family member or advocate to attend appointments
• Alternative ways to communicate, such as email or text messages where available

What is the reasonable adjustment digital flag? 

The Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag is a secure marker added to your NHS record.

It allows healthcare professionals involved in your care to understand the support you need before your appointment. This means you won't need to explain your requirements every time you visit an NHS service.

The Digital Flag helps ensure that reasonable adjustments are recognised across NHS organisations, improving your experience and making healthcare more accessible.

Who can benefit?

The Digital Flag may be helpful for people who have: 

• Learning disabilities
• Autism
• Hearing impairment
• Visual impairment
• Physical disabilities
• Speech or communication difficulties
• Long-term neurological conditions
• Other health conditions that make accessing healthcare more difficult

If you're unsure whether this applies to you, please speak to a member of our practice.

Examples of reasonable adjustments

Your reasonable adjustments will be based on your individual needs.

These may include:

• Longer appointments
• Easy Read appointment letters
• Large print or accessible formats
• British Sign Language interpreter
• Language interpreter
• Wheelchair access
• Accessible consultation rooms
• Quiet waiting area where possible
• Support from a carer or advocate
• Clear communication and extra time to explain information

Is my information confidential?

Yes. Information about your reasonable adjustments is stored securely within NHS systems.

Only authorised health and care professionals involved in your care can view this information when necessary to support your treatment.

Your information is protected in the same way as the rest of your NHS medical record.

How do I request a reasonable adjustment?

If you think you would benefit from additional support, please let us know.

A member of our practice team can discuss your needs and, where appropriate, record reasonable adjustments on your NHS record.

Your needs can be reviewed and updated at any time if your circumstances change.

Frequently asked questions

Will this affect my medical care?

No. The Digital Flag simply helps healthcare professionals understand how best to support you during your appointments.

Do I have to have a Digital Flag?

No. It is optional and will only be added following discussion with you (or someone acting on your behalf where appropriate).

Can my reasonable adjustments be changed?

Yes. If your needs change, please let the practice know so we can update your record.

Does it apply outside my GP practice?

Yes. Where NHS services use the Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag, it can help healthcare professionals recognise your support needs across different NHS settings.

How we can help

Our practice is committed to providing accessible healthcare for everyone.

If you have any disability, communication need or additional requirement, please tell a member of our team. We will do our best to make reasonable adjustments so you can access our services safely, comfortably and with dignity.

Complete an accessability needs form