Additional support needed to attend your appointment

We hope the information on this page will help you when you visit Queen Victoria Hospital. If you have any questions about additional support or accessibility that is not covered in this information please email us at qvh.pals@nhs.net or ask a member of staff.

Parking

We have a number of spaces for disabled badge holders, including by the Minor Injuries Unit (Building 9) and in front of our X-Ray department (Main Hospital building, in front of the clock tower).

Our friendly team will do what they can to help you on arrival. If you need specific help, please contact the department your appointment is in before you arrive.

Accessible access and wheelchairs

All of our departments are accessible for wheelchair users. Our main outpatients department is our only two-storey building and has a lift to access the upstairs.

If you need to borrow a wheelchair we can help. You can collect one from:

• Main hospital corridor – in the blue zone
• Minor Injuries Unit (Building 9).

If you need help getting to an appointment please speak to a member of staff.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme

We support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme. Some disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses are not immediately obvious to others. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower allows patients and staff to voluntarily share that they have a hidden disability. By wearing the Sunflower, you are letting everyone know that you might need extra help, understanding, more time or that you support the sunflower scheme.

If you would like a sunflower lanyard please email our Patient Advice and Liaison Service ahead of your appointment at qvh.pals@nhs.net, or visit the information desk in the Main Hospital building on your next appointment.

For patients with learning disabilities

Everyone has the right to access healthcare services in a way that meets their needs. To help our patients with learning difficulties and/or autism we use a number of tools including ‘my hospital passport’ and Makaton cards.

We also have support from a learning disabilities acute liaison nurse.

For patients with dementia

We have dementia champions throughout our clinical departments.

We also support John’s Campaign with open visiting for carters of patients with dementia on the Canadian Wing and Burns unit, and The Butterfly Scheme.

For patients with a carer

We value the vital work done by carers and are committed to working with you to provide the best care possible for our patients. You can read more about the support we offer by clicking here.

Please let someone on the ward or department know you are the patient’s carer so we can work with you to best support their needs.

Support for the armed forces and Veterans

If you, your spouse or partner have ever served in the UK armed forces, please let us know.

Being identified as a veteran in your NHS medical notes will ensure you are able to access specific veterans’ health services, such as those for mental health, hearing loss, limb amputation and wheelchairs.

All veterans are entitled to priority access to NHS care for service-related conditions. However, this is always subject to clinical need and does not mean that you will automatically be treated ahead of others who have a more urgent clinical need. You can find out more here.

Page last updated: 23 November 2023.