Gloucestershire Hospitals launches detailed accessibility guides to help patients plan their visit

The Trust has worked with AccessAble, the UK's leading provider of accessibility information, to create a series of Detailed Access Guides designed to help people plan their visit before arriving at hospital. The guides provide clear, factual information about departments, services and facilities, helping people understand exactly what to expect.

• The first guides covering Gloucestershire Royal Hospital will launch on Monday 12 October, with Cheltenham General Hospital guides to follow in spring 2027.

The project has been funded by Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity as part of its commitment to improving the experience of patients, families and visitors.

AccessAble guides provide detailed information on features including parking, step-free access, lifts, accessible toilets, hearing loops, seating, walking distances and signage. The guides are developed through in-person surveys and are designed to support people with a wide range of accessibility needs.

The information can be particularly helpful for people with mobility needs, sensory impairments, neurodivergent people, those living with long-term health conditions and anyone who may feel anxious about visiting an unfamiliar environment.

Director of Improvement and Delivery Will Cleary-Gray said:

“Coming to hospital can be stressful, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the site or have specific access requirements. These guides will help people plan ahead with confidence by providing detailed information about our facilities before they arrive.

“We know everyone's accessibility needs are different. By working with AccessAble, we can provide clear, reliable information that helps patients, visitors and carers make informed decisions about their visit and reduces some of the uncertainty that can come with attending hospital.”

Charlie Homer, Head of Income Generation at the Charity, said:

"Inclusion is one of the charity's key priorities and we hope these Detailed Guides will make it easier for people to access our hospitals with confidence. They will provide practical information for visitors and help staff and volunteers better support people with different access needs, so everyone feels welcome and supported when they visit our hospitals."

The launch forms part of the Trust's ongoing work to improve accessibility and ensure hospital services are as inclusive as possible for everyone who uses them.

The guides will be available through both our website and the AccessAble website and can be accessed on desktop, tablet and mobile devices.