Bradford Teaching Hospitals launches virtual access guides

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has rolled out a new way to help patients and visitors navigate its Bradford Royal Infirmary site, partnering with AccessAble to launch virtual access guides.

The initiative uses 360-degree imagery to allow visitors  to explore hospital departments and wards on desktop or mobile devices ahead of their visit, with the aim of making hospital visits less daunting, especially those with specific accessibility needs.

Sam Hunter, estates and facilities project officer at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS FT, 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 new guides, which are available from the AccessAble website complement existing access guides for Bradford Royal Infirmary and the trust’s wider network – including St Luke’s Hospital and local community hospitals at Westwood Park, Westbourne Green and Eccleshill.

They also offer detailed, reliable information about the hospital environment, which allow patients to check in advance where drop off points are, locate accessible toilets, find waiting areas and identify where specific equipment, such as hearing loops, are available.

The virtual guides help clinical and administrative staff to ensure that patients with specific requirements can easily find and access the services they need, contributing to a more inclusive and efficient healthcare environment for everyone.

Dr Gregory Burke, founder and executive chair of AccessAble, said: “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.”