Download the NHS App
- To access your medical records
- To manage your prescriptions
- To message your practice
- For information on how to stay safe on-line CLICK HERE
Advocacy, Support and Reasonable Adjustments
We are here to help
Everyone should be able to get the healthcare they need.
If you find it hard to understand information, communicate, or attend appointments, please tell us.
We are here to help.
Together, we can make your healthcare easier to access.
What is an advocate?
An advocate is someone who helps you have your voice heard.
They can help you:
- Understand information.
- Ask questions.
- Make decisions.
- Explain what you want.
- Speak up if something is not right.
- Get the support you need.
An advocate works for you and listens to what you want.
You can ask for an advocate if you need one.
What are reasonable adjustments?
A reasonable adjustment is a small change that helps make healthcare easier for you.
You may need reasonable adjustments if you have:
- A learning disability
- Autism
- A physical disability
- A mental health condition
- A long-term health condition
- Difficulty seeing, hearing or speaking
- Any other condition that makes healthcare harder to access
Reasonable adjustments can include:
- A longer appointment.
- A quiet place to wait.
- Easy Read information.
- Large print letters.
- Information in another language.
- A British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter.
- Being contacted by text message instead of a phone call.
- Bringing a family member, friend or support worker to your appointment.
- Seeing the same clinician where possible.
- Extra time to ask questions.
Please tell us what helps you.
Tell us what helps you
You know yourself best.
Please let our reception team know if you need:
- More time.
- Help understanding information.
- Information in a different format.
- Help using online services.
- Support booking appointments.
- Any other adjustment that would make your care easier.
We will do our best to support you.
The NHS Reasonable Adjustment Flag
The NHS can add a Reasonable Adjustment Flag to your health record.
This is not a diagnosis. It is a note that tells NHS staff how to support you.
For example, it can tell staff that you may need:
- A longer appointment.
- Easy Read information.
- A quiet waiting area.
- A British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter.
- Someone to come with you.
- Information in large print or another format.
This means that when you use NHS services, staff can see how to support you.
If your needs change, we can update your record.
Please ask us if you would like to talk about adding a Reasonable Adjustment Flag.
Local advocacy and support services
If you would like someone independent to help you, these organisations may be able to support you.
Healthwatch Newham
Healthwatch Newham listens to people's experiences of health and care services.
They can help you understand local services and share your views.
Learn more:
https://www.healthwatchnewham.co.uk
VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility provides free, independent advocacy.
They can support people with:
- Learning disabilities
- Autism
- Mental health needs
- Mental Capacity Act decisions
- NHS and social care issues
Learn more:
https://www.voiceability.org
Newham Council Advocacy Services
Newham Council provides information about:
- Independent advocacy
- Mental health advocacy
- Mental Capacity advocacy
- Self-advocacy groups
- Peer support
Learn more:
https://www.newham.gov.uk/health-adult-social-care/advocacy
Citizens Advice Newham
Citizens Advice can help with:
- Benefits
- Housing
- Debt and money
- Employment
- Consumer problems
- Everyday advice
Learn more:
https://www.citizensadvicenewham.org.uk
Learning Disability Support
Newham Council also provides information about:
- Learning disability services
- Health support
- Community activities
- Local groups
- Social care
Learn more:
https://www.newham.gov.uk/health-adult-social-care/learning-disabilities
If you are unhappy with your NHS care
If you are worried about your healthcare, you do not have to deal with it on your own.
An advocate may be able to help you understand your options or support you to make a complaint.
You can also speak to a member of our practice team.
We will listen and do our best to help.
‍
