NHS buildings will become easier to access and navigate following the launch of a series of guides by Community Health Partnerships (CHP).

CHP, which is responsible for 5% of the NHS property portfolio, has joined forces with AccessAble to create detailed access guides for each of its 310 sites across England.

The move aims to put NHS buildings at the heart of the communities they serve and recognises that everyone’s needs are different.

They will help building users who require additional support to plan ahead and make the most out of their appointment.

Capturing lived experience

To celebrate the launch, CHP and AccessAble, working with production company, Surfr, produced a series of short stop-motion videos capturing the experiences of disabled people with a variety of impairments accessing healthcare venues.

The guides are 100% facts, figures, and photographs, which patients, staff and visitors can view and prep for ahead of each visit.

They will cover everything from parking facilities and hearing loops, to walking distances and accessible toilets.

And they have been checked in person, on site, by trained surveyors.

Alexandra Slater, executive director for customer services at CHP, said: “We are thrilled to have worked in partnership with AccessAble to produce detailed access guides for our health facilities across England.

A familiar environment

“We recognise everyone’s accessibility needs are different, which is why having accurate and up-to-date information is so important.

“The guides will help patients and staff plan ahead of their visit, familiarise themselves with the building, and create as stress-free an experience as possible.”

Anna Nelson, chief executive of AccessAble, adds: “We know that visiting an NHS service can increase anxiety, and not being able to find out about the facilities available can really add to that.

“Our guides provide part of the solution to reduce missed appointments, giving the information people need about accessibility, so they plan their visit and feel confident about what to expect.”