NHS Lanarkshire, North and South Lanarkshire Councils are launching a patient-friendly Access Support Card for service users who need assistance to get to appointments.

The card was designed service users told us that due to a number of  factors they sometimes found it difficult to get to their appointments after checking in.

The cards will provide staff with information to help enhance the service-user experience if they have: a disability (hidden or visible); mobility issues; sight/visual impairment; or are deaf or have a hearing impairment.

The card will be presented to reception staff who should make a note of the additional support request on the service user’s notes.

When calling the service user staff should provide additional assistance or allow time for the patient to get to their appointment.

If the service user needs someone to be contacted, ‘In Case of Emergency’ contact information is provided on the back of the card.

Hina Sheikh, NHS Lanarkshire equality and diversity manager, said: “The card is credit card size so easily fits into a wallet, purse or bus pass holder and has a cut off corner for easy use by visually impaired patients.

“Cards will be distributed throughout NHS and council sites and posters advertising the cards availability will also be made available.

“To ensure good uptake, we are asking all staff’s help by giving the Access Support Cards to service users who they feel will benefit from having one.”

For further information contact Hina on 01698 377816 or email hina.sheikh@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk