Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (BTHFT) has become the first of its kind to launch Virtual Access Guides for its sites.
These guides, created in partnership with accessibility information provider AccessAble, are designed to help patients, visitors, and staff navigate hospital buildings with greater ease and confidence.
Sam Hunter, estates and facilities project officer at BTHFT, said: “We’re always looking for new ways to improve access and wayfinding for patients and families, and AccessAble provides a brilliant solution which will help people get to where they need to be more quickly.
“Any hospital environment can seem complicated if you’re visiting for the first time, so we’re always keen to explore new ways to make it easy.
“We’ll be one of the first in the region to adopt this new innovative approach, and it’s just one of the many things we’re doing to help our visitors.”
The Virtual Access Guides are now available on the AccessAble website and offer detailed, step-by-step information about routes and facilities within Bradford Royal Infirmary.
Created following detailed assessments by AccessAble’s trained surveyors, the guides feature 360-degree virtual imagery to help users familiarise themselves with hospital departments and wards beforehand.
The guides are particularly useful for disabled people and carers, providing information through interactive symbols and a shortcut menu.
Key features such as drop-off points, accessible toilets, hearing loops, and seating areas are marked, making it accessible to mobile and desktop users.
Dr Gregory Burke, founder and executive chair of AccessAble, said: “Hospitals can be overwhelming to navigate, especially for people with accessibility needs.
“Our Virtual Access Guides are designed to offer reassurance, build confidence, and give people a greater sense of control over their visit.
“Our partnership with Bradford Teaching Hospitals is a powerful example of how innovation and collaboration can remove barriers and make healthcare more inclusive.
“I’d like to thank the Trust for being the first in the NHS to develop AccessAble Virtual Access Guides, and for sharing our vision of an NHS where disabled people and carers can access outstanding care independently and with dignity.”
The Virtual Access Guides complement existing Detailed Access Guides for Bradford Royal Infirmary and the Trust’s wider network, including St Luke’s Hospital and community hospitals at Westwood Park, Westbourne Green and Eccleshill.
The Virtual Access Guides for Bradford Teaching Hospitals can be accessed at https://www.accessable.co.uk/bradford-teaching-hospitals-nhs-foundation-trust/bradford-royal-infirmary