Patient access support card
About the Access Support Card
The ‘Access Support Card’ is an initiative launched by the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford) to assist patients and staff with improved communications. Any patient or carer with a communication difficulty or disability can have one. Simply show your bright yellow card to staff on arrival at the hospital to indicate a need for extra support or assistance. Our staff will then respond by putting in place the extra support necessary, as far as possible.
Support may include:
- Enabling a patient to arrange future appointments before leaving the site
- Providing information in a way that the patient can understand; for example using interpretation or translation services, Braille, audio, large print, or an easy to read format
- Arranging appropriate support for the patient to access their appointment, for example, a hospital volunteer to assist
- Ensuring, with patient consent, that any ‘special requirements’ are flagged on a person’s clinical notes so that staff can best support them
The Access Support Card includes a patient’s NHS number and an emergency contact number.
We hope the card will reassure patients that we are prepared and can offer the support they need. The card may also help to promote independence for patients who otherwise may need someone to accompany them.
Get an Access Support Card
Cards can also be collected in person from the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) office in the main reception concourse area at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).