Accessibility

Text Size
Some visitors may find it necessary to increase or decrease the size of the text on our site. This can be achieved by holding down the 'Ctrl' key (for Windows), or 'Cmd' key (for Apple Mac), then pressing + or - to alter the text size up or down respectively. If you have an older browser you can use the 'View' menu and highlight the 'Text Size' option.  You can also click the 'Accessibility' tab at the top of each page to access the clickable options.

Colour
Some visitors may find it necessary to change the website display colour / have a greater colour contrast. This can be achieved by using the 'Accessibility' tab at the top of each page.

New Trust Website Accessibility
We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. We know some parts of this website are not fully accessible. We are currently working on improving accessibility options:

• Change colours / contrast levels and fonts

• On screen magnifier – zoom in up to 300% without the text spilling off the screen

• Listen to most of the website using a screen reader (text to speech) – JAWS, NVDA, Voice Over)

• Navigate most of the website using just a keyboard

• Navigate most of the website using speech recognition software

Wheelchair Access
All hospital and out-patient clinic reception entrances are suitable for wheelchairs. There are disabled toilets in key locations around the hospital and out-patient clinics.

Motorised Scooters
Motorised scooters are allowed within the hospital / out-patient clinics.

Disabled Parking
Disabled parking is available on all hospital sites.

Mobility Aids
Mobility aids are available within the hospital.  This includes bariatric beds, wheelchairs, manual hoists, hoist slings, tri wheel walkers, walking sticks, walking frames, crutches and commodes which are all available on request.  There is no charge for mobility aids.

On-line Disabled Information Guide:
Please visit the AccessAble website, for a more detailed summary about what disabled access and facilities we provide:

https://www.accessable.co.uk/organisations/wrightington-wigan-and-leigh-nhs-foundation-trust 

British Sign Language Interpreters
The Trust provides Sign Language Interpreters and Lip Readers for the hearing impaired.

Hearing Loops
Hearing Loops are available on all main reception desks in key locations around the hospitals and out-patient clinics.

Appointment Reminder Text Messaging Service
A Text Messaging Service was implemented in November 2011 to remind patients about their forthcoming appointments and subsequently reduce the number of appointments not attended.

Cancelling or Re-scheduling Hospital Appointments on-line
Patients are able to cancel or reschedule their appointments via the Trust’s Website.  This new facility enables patients to notify the Trust if they are unable to attend an appointment for any reason via on-line.

Improving Access – On-line Appointments Booking Service
We understand that some of our patients may have difficulty in contacting us by telephone to arrange an appointment. If you are hearing impaired or speech impaired or unable to use a telephone, you can now arrange your appointment on-line via the link below:

Arrange Your Appointment on-line

Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs may accompany you during your visit, but please give the hospital staff as much notice as possible so they can accommodate this. 

Staff are usually asked to accommodate a side room or visiting area for patients that require an assistance dog or people visiting with an assistance dog.

Patient Information Leaflets / Correspondence in Alternative Formats
Alternative formats are available on request. If you wish to request an audio leaflet, braille, hi contrast (black text against yellow background), or require the leaflet in a different language then please contact the department/ward you are attending.

Please telephone the number on your appointment letter / notify our hospital staff if you have any special needs or mobility problems. We may need to make special arrangements to ensure your visit is as straightforward as possible.

• Are you disabled / have mobility problems?

• Are you hearing / visually impaired?

• Use special equipment?

• Need written information in large print or audio?

The more you can tell us about your individual needs the more we can put in place to ensure those needs are met.