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Reasonable adjustments flag

Under the Equality Act 2010, we have a legal duty to make changes in our approach or provision of care to ensure that services are as accessible to people with disabilities as possible.

That’s why we have introduced a new reasonable adjustment flag, designed by NHS Digital, to help our people identify, record, and share whether a patient has a learning disability and/or specific care needs that require adjustments to be made.

What information will the flag highlight?

The flag highlights the following information on the patient’s healthcare record that is defined by clinical codes:

  • Basic context about the patient
  • Key adjustments and related details
  • Further information to aid health and care workers
  • Bespoke adjustments required such as underlying conditions, how to communicate with the patient and who to involve in decisions about their health and care

What are the benefits of the flag?

Benefits of the reasonable adjustment flag include:

  • It is immediately visible to reception staff when the patient is referred or presents for care
  • Details of impairments and other key information are shared consistently across the NHS – with patient consent
  • Supports carers to feel less stressed by informing them of adjustments to services
  • It can help to reduce stress both for the patient and those treating them

Who is responsible for creating a flag on a patient record?

All health and care professionals.

Some patients may have reasonable adjustments recorded by their GP, but a record can also be created for a patient when a health or social care worker first records or becomes aware of the patient’s reasonable adjustments.

Patients can also let a member of staff know that they require reasonable adjustments and a flag will be created on their healthcare record (with consent) to support future visits to the hospital.