New AccessAble accessibility guides make hospital visits to the Royal Devon easier and more inclusive

The Royal Devon formally launched a new set of AccessAble accessibility guides at a special event last week.

The guides provide clear, reliable information to help patients, visitors and colleagues with disabilities or additional needs plan their visit with confidence. They include photographs and details about features such as level access and entrances, parking and drop-off points, accessible toilets, hearing loops, and colour contrast and signage.

The event was well attended by service users, Royal Devon Governors, partners and colleagues.
The group was given a demonstration of how the guides work, a chance to meet with the patient experience team, and the opportunity to learn more about the patient experience, accessibility and support services provided at the Royal Devon.

“We’ve worked in partnership with our provider AccessAble to create these detailed access guides across our Royal Devon sites. They will help individuals with disabilities and additional needs plan their visits, avoid anxiety-inducing obstacles, and ensure our sites and services are usable and enjoyable for everyone,” said Andrea Bell, Deputy Director of Nursing (Patient Experience).

“We are delighted to launch this new Accessibility Guide to Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, prioritising accessibility and patient experience, recognising how crucial detailed access information is for disabled patients, visitors and staff.

I would like to express my thanks to the Trust for championing the provision of healthcare accessibility information, making appointments less anxious and uncertain for disabled people,” said Anna Nelson, Chief Executive of AccessAble.

The guides are part of the Royal Devon’s commitment to reducing uncertainty, promoting independence, and ensuring accessibility is not an afterthought, but a core part of how we deliver care.

See the AccessAble guides on our website.