Easy Read for Healthcare and Appointments

 

Why it matters:
Many people with disabilities feel anxious about going to:

• GP appointments
• Dentist visits
• Hospital appointments

Easy Read materials can help by explaining step by step what happens:

1.             Making the appointment

2.           Arriving at the desk and reporting

3.           Waiting in the waiting room

4.           Being called in by the GP or dentist

5.           What to expect during the appointment

How we do it:

• Use simple, clear words
• Include supportive pictures/icons
• Break the process into small steps
• Focus on what is likely to happen and what people can do

Benefits:

• Reduces anxiety
• Helps people prepare
• Empowers people to attend appointments confidently

Visual idea for PDF/Slide:

• A sequence of icons showing steps: phone → arrival → waiting → appointment → leaving happy

Healthcare and Avoidable Deaths

Many people with learning disabilities face avoidable health risks.

• Nearly 40% of people with learning disabilities die from causes that could have been prevented (Mencap research).

• Many feel anxious about GP, dentist, or hospital appointments.

• Easy Read can help explain what will happen step by step, reduce anxiety, and empower people to access healthcare.

Why it matters:

• If any other group faced these risks, there would be urgent action.

• Advocates, like Lord Scriven, work to ensure people with learning disabilities are seen, heard, and supported in healthcare.

Visual idea:

• Icons showing a patient going through steps of an appointment with a heart or safety symbol.

• Possibly a small callout box showing “40% avoidable deaths” in bold letters for emphasis.