If you or someone you care for has a disability, you’ve probably heard about Reasonable Adjustments and Digital Flags in the news. Here’s what they mean and what’s happening locally in Cheshire West.

What Are Reasonable Adjustments?

Under the Equality Act 2010, organisations must remove barriers for people with disabilities. These barriers can affect people with physical or mental impairments. Reasonable adjustments are small changes that can make a big difference.

You can ask for adjustments in many areas, including:

• At work

• In education (like schools or colleges)

• At businesses or services (like hospitals or shops)

• In health or care settings (like doctor’s surgeries)

• In housing (through landlords or estate agents)

• In public services (like the council or police)

• At sports clubs or other community groups

Examples of Reasonable Adjustments:

Adjustments vary based on the organisation’s size and resources, but here are some examples:

• Health appointments: Longer appointment times, or waiting in the car until you’re called.

• Workplace changes: Flexible hours or extra tools to help with tasks.

• Education: Extra time for exams or quiet spaces for learning.

You can learn more from these resources:

NHS England: Reasonable Adjustments NHS England:RA

Citizens Advice: Reasonable Adjustments Citizens Advice: RA

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS has a reasonable adjustments checklist.  CLICK HERE

What Are Digital Flags?

A Digital Flag is a note on your electronic health record to highlight any reasonable adjustments you need.

• This means you don’t have to explain your needs every time you go to an appointment.

• It’s your choice what information is shared, and your permission is required.

How Does This Work in Cheshire West?

• The Integrated Care Board (ICB) includes reasonable adjustments in its contracts with service providers.

• Local healthcare providers may offer adjustments differently.
For example:

•  Mid Cheshire Hospital Foundation Trust provides online resources. 

•  Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS has a reasonable adjustments checklist. 

•  The Countess of Chester Hospital offers guidance on Safeguarding Adults.

If you feel a Digital Flag is helpful for you or someone you care for, ask your GP practice to add one to your health record.

What If You Have Questions or Suggestions?

• The Patient Experience Team can help with concerns about reasonable adjustments or digital flags:

cheshire.patientexperience@cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk

• Share any feedback or examples of adjustments that have worked for you. This will help improve local services.

Reasonable Adjustments for Children in Education Settings 

Adjustments in schools or local authority settings already exist. For example:

• Schools often provide quiet areas or flexible schedules

• Resources such as ear defenders and wobble cushions

• Adjustments to school uniform 

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS reasonable adjustments checklist for education settings

If you have questions about reasonable adjustments for children, reach out to your settings SEN Coordinator (SENCo).

Final Thoughts

Reasonable adjustments and digital flags are about making life easier for everyone. By working together and sharing what works, we can create better more inclusive services in Cheshire West.

For more resources:

•  NHS Standard Contract Guidance: NHS England

•  Care Transformed Case Studies: NHS England

If you have any other questions, please email us at: Info@pcfcheshirewest.org or call 07900 840867

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