Patients with sensory impairment

Under the Equality Act 2010, pharmacies must make reasonable adjustments to ensure individuals with disabilities are not disadvantaged when accessing services, including EHC. The Accessible Information Standard (2016) further requires that people with disabilities or sensory impairments receive information in a format they can understand and the communication support they need.

When providing EHC to patients with sensory impairments, you should communicate directly and ask how they prefer to receive information.

Overcoming language barriers

When a patient requesting EHC speaks little or no English, ensuring informed consent and assessing treatment suitability can be challenging. Friends or partners should not act as interpreters, as this compromises confidentiality and makes safeguarding checks more difficult.

Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are responsible for providing translation and interpretation services for patients accessing primary care. You can access these services (e.g. Language Line) through your ICB. Similar services are available in Scotland.