We are pleased to announce the launch of a series of new Detailed Access Guides in partnership with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH).

Working together with the Trust, we have created Guides for the Horton General Hospital in Banbury and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford to support those with physical and sensory needs to better navigate the hospitals.

With support from Oxford Hospitals Charity, AccessAble has worked in partnership with the Trust to provide guides for over 60 services, wards, and departments across the two hospitals - 39 at the Horton General Hospital and 29 at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre.

Our Detailed Access Guides provide in-depth information on routes and facilities within the hospitals. The Guides are designed to make visits easier and more reassuring for patients, visitors and staff with a wide range of accessibility needs.

Representatives from Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford Hospitals Charity and AccessAble joined together at a launch event on Monday 24^th November to unveil a plaque and demonstrate the value the Guides can have on patients, visitors and staff.

Simon Crowther, Interim Chief Executive Officer at OUH, said:

“We want everyone who comes to our hospitals to feel confident and supported. These guides allow patients and visitors to plan ahead, reduce anxiety and focus on the reason for their visit.

“We would like to thank Oxford Hospitals Charity for fully funding this project, and to AccessAble for helping us make this possible. This new service supports our commitment to improving the experience for everyone who uses our services.”

Douglas Graham, Chief Executive Officer of Oxford Hospitals Charity, said:

“We are here to support the Trust in providing the best possible care for patients, and making our hospitals as welcoming as possible."

“Reducing stress involved in a visit, especially for those worried about accessibility, is an important part of care, so we are delighted to have supported this important initiative which is now up and running at the Horton General and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre.”

Each Detailed Access Guide we produce at AccessAble is co-produced with disabled people to ensure every detail is accurate, relevant and empowering. Trained surveyors visit each site and capture comprehensive information on entrances, lifts, toilets, partking and more. 

Anna Nelson, Chief Executive at AccessAble, said: "Accessible healthcare starts with accessible information, and we’re proud to work with Oxford University Hospitals to make that a reality. We’re hugely grateful to Oxford Hospitals Charity for funding this work, to all Trust colleagues who have helped our team, and to the OUH Disability, Accessibility and Carers Staff Network for championing the initiative.

“It’s been a true partnership, and we’re delighted to see the guides now live at the Horton and NOC. We look forward to hearing feedback and developing them further"

You can view the guides on our website for Horton General Hospital and Nuffied Orthopaedic Centre, or by visiting Oxford University Hospitals and locating our AccessAble buttons.