Patients, visitors and staff can now access detailed accessibility information for hundreds of locations across Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, following a new partnership with AccessAble.

The project has seen the team survey and create Detailed Access Guides for 258 wards, departments and services across the Trust's five hospitals, giving people the information they need to plan their visit before they arrive.

The guides provide factual information about features including step-free access, parking, lifts, accessible toilets, hearing assistance systems and wayfinding. They also include details of facilities such as quiet spaces and stoma-friendly amenities, helping people understand what to expect when attending appointments or visiting family members. 

Our Detailed Access Guides are created through in-person surveys carried out by trained surveyors, with information gathered using a consistent methodology developed alongside disabled people over more than 25 years. The result is detailed, reliable accessibility information that supports people with a wide range of access requirements.

The launch marks an important step in improving access to healthcare information across North West London. With all four trusts in the North West London Acute Provider Group now working with AccessAble, patients moving between hospital sites can access the same style of accessibility information wherever they receive care.

Eric Munro, Director of Estates and Facilities, said:

“We know coming to hospital for an appointment - especially for the first time - can be really daunting, We want to enable all our patients, carers and other visitors to access our Trust sites and buildings with confidence and clarity which is why we’re really pleased to be working in partnership with AccessAble. This is an important step in our ongoing commitment to making our services as inclusive and accessible as possible for everyone who uses them.

“This partnership means that all four trusts that make up the North West London Acute Provider Group are now part of AccessAble meanings patients can access consistent, reliable information when moving between hospitals across north west London, helping to support a more joined-up experience.”

Gregory Burke, Founder and Executive Chair of AccessAble, said:

"Healthcare journeys can be stressful, particularly when you're visiting an unfamiliar environment. Having clear information about access, facilities and the layout of a building before travelling can make a significant difference to a person's experience."

"We're delighted to be working with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust to provide detailed accessibility information that helps patients, visitors and staff plan their journeys with greater confidence."

You can view the Guides here or search for Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust on our homepage.