Improving NHS Accessibility to Blind and Partially Sighted Patients

Date posted: 28th January 2025

Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has teamed up with Thomas Pocklington Trust and Birmingham Sight Loss Council to launch a ground breaking initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare experiences for blind and partially sighted patients. This initiative aligns with the Accessible Information Standard of NHS England, focusing on personalised care and tailored services.

Key improvements include:

• Personalised Communication: Clinicians now ask patients for their preferred communication methods, such as phone calls or large print letters.
• Practical Support: From guiding patients through physical spaces to ensuring online service accessibility.
• Staff Training: Over 600 NHS staff trained in sight loss awareness, including simulation spectacles to understand patients’ experiences.

This initiative is driven by personal stories and expert insights, ensuring that blind and partially sighted individuals receive the support they need.

Learn more about how we’re making healthcare more accessible and inclusive here.