Going into hospital
If you are disabled and you need hospital treatment, it is important that you inform the hospital about the nature of your disability and the extra support you need.
If your local doctor refers you for treatment, they will inform the hospital staff of your needs. You can also discuss your requirements with members of hospital staff when they complete your admission form on your arrival in hospital.
The admission form gives hospital staff an idea of how much help you may need during your stay in hospital. You might want to discuss:
- any routines you have
- specialist equipment that the hospital may not be able to provide
- having a carer present with you at certain times
- access to facilities, such as bathrooms and toilets
- using a fixed loop or subtitles for television or radio
Benefits
Before you go into hospital, it is important to notify the relevant benefit authorities. For more information about how a hospital stay will affect your benefits, see Directgov: Hospital stays and your benefits.
Consent to treatment
For some procedures, including operations, you will be asked to sign a consent form. For more information, see Consent to treatment.
If you care for someone who has limited mental capacity and they are admitted to hospital, you may be required to give consent to treatment on their behalf. For further details, see Carers Direct: Mental Capacity Act.
Leaving hospital
If you are disabled, staff will arrange transport for you, if necessary, to return home when you leave the hospital.
If you have recently become disabled, or have given birth to a disabled child, the hospital will tell local social services so that you get the help you need. To find out about the financial support you may be entitled to, see Directgov: guide to financial support for disabled people.
