Help accessing our services

Sometimes we find that our patients need a little extra help accessing our services. Here are a few ways that you can contact us when you need our help.

Sian in call centre

We have a range of resources which can be used to help you if you have a disability or find it difficult to access the service.


 

Accessible services

Making sure those who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss can access information they understand

An accessible information standard has been approved by NHS England and is now a requirement in England for all providers of NHS care or publicly funded adult social care.

The aim of the standard is to make sure people who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss get information they can access and understand, and any communication support they need.

You can find out more in our accessibility statement https://www.scas.nhs.uk/accessibility-statement/

If you need support to access our services due to communication needs, our Patient Experience team can help arrange this. You can call 0300 123 9280 or email patientexperience@scas.nhs.uk

SMS texting 999

Allows deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired people who find it difficult to use the phone, to send a text message instead

This service allows deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people who find it difficult to use the phone to send a text message to the 999 service so they can get through to the ambulance, police, fire service or coastguard.

This service is available in the UK only. Register your mobile phone here http://www.emergencysms.net/

Language Line

Verbal translation may be necessary for those who don’t speak English so that they can still get the help they need.

If verbal translation is required, we use the Language Line service. The service is free and is usually accessed on behalf of patients by our control centre staff in both emergency and non-emergency centres.

British sign language (BSL) for 111

Use signvideo.co.uk/nhs111

This service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week