Accessibility Policy

Park View Dental Practice: The Victoria Buildings, Heaton Park View, Newcastle, NE6 5BF

Email: admin@parkviewdentists.co.uk

Tel: 0191 265 9258

Person responsible: Dr Ian Grime

Version 1.0 | April 2026 | Next Review: April 2027

1. Our Commitment

Park View Dental Practice is committed to ensuring that every patient can access our services equally, regardless of disability, health condition, or any other personal circumstance. We aim to remove barriers to access and provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for all.

This policy sets out our approach to physical accessibility, communication, reasonable adjustments, and website accessibility, in line with the Equality Act 2010 and the standards of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and General Dental Council (GDC).

2. Physical Access to the Practice

We have made every effort to ensure our premises are accessible to all patients:

  • Single level throughout - there are no stairs or steps within the practice; all clinical areas, waiting areas, and facilities are on one level,

  • Wheelchair access - the practice is fully accessible for wheelchair users, including at the entranc.

  • Accessible toilet - a fully accessible toilet is available on site for patients who require it.

  • Waiting area - seating is available with space for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids.

  • Parking - if you require accessible parking or assistance from your vehicle, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you.

If you have any concerns about accessing our premises, please call us before your appointment on 0191 265 9258 and we will be happy to discuss how we can help.

3. Reasonable Adjustments

Under the Equality Act 2010, we have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled patients are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to other patients. We take this duty seriously and will always try to find a practical solution.

Reasonable adjustments we can make include:

  • Appointment flexibility - longer appointments, first or last slots of the day, or quieter times for patients who need a less stimulating environment (e.g. autism, anxiety, sensory sensitivities)

  • Communication support - written summaries, large print materials, easy-read information, or extra time to explain treatment and obtain informed consent.

  • Interpreter or support person - patients are welcome to bring a carer, family member, advocate, or interpreter to any appointment.

  • Adapted treatment planning - staged or shorter visits for patients who find longer appointments difficult.

  • Seating and positioning - we will accommodate requests relating to comfort, mobility, or physical positioning during treatment wherever possible.

  • Staff support - our team is trained to communicate respectfully and patiently with all patients, including those with learning disabilities, dementia, hearing impairment, or communication difficulties.

To ensure we can plan ahead, please let us know about any access or support needs when booking your appointment. You can tell us by phone, email, or at reception.

4. Communication Accessibility

We want every patient to understand their care and feel confident communicating with us. We will:

  • Ask about communication preferences and access needs at registration.

  • Provide appointment reminders by your preferred method (telephone, SMS, or email)

  • Use plain, clear language in all correspondence and clinical explanations.

  • Offer written or printed summaries of treatment discussions where helpful.

  • Never assume a patient has understood information - our team will always check and re-explain if needed.

  • Welcome questions at any point during your visit.

If you require information about our services in an alternative format (such as large print or easy-read), please contact us and we will do our best to provide this.

5. Website Accessibility

Our website aims to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA as the recognised best-practice standard for accessible web content under the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to making our website as usable as possible for all visitors, including those using assistive technology.

We aim to ensure that our website:

  • Can be navigated using a keyboard alone.

  • Works with screen readers and other assistive technologies.

  • Uses clear, high-contrast text that can be resized.

  • Includes descriptive text for images.

  • Uses plain, straightforward language.

We review our website accessibility regularly. If you experience any difficulty accessing information on our website, or would like to request information in an alternative format, please contact us at admin@parkviewdentists.co.uk or 0191 265 9258. 

6. Staff Training

All staff at Park View Dental Practice receive training in equality, diversity, and inclusion, including disability awareness and accessible communication. This training is completed at induction and refreshed annually. We are committed to ensuring our team understands and upholds their responsibilities under this policy.

7. Raising a Concern or Giving Feedback

If you feel that you have not been able to access our services or that we have not made appropriate adjustments for your needs, we would like to hear from you. Your feedback helps us improve.

Please contact:

Dr Ian GrimePark View Dental Practice, The Victoria Buildings, Heaton Park View, Newcastle, NE6 5BFEmail: admin@parkviewdentists.co.uk | Tel: 0191 265 9258

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may also contact:

8. Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes to legislation, CQC guidance, or the practice's facilities. The current version is available at reception and on our website.

Version 1.0 | Approved by: Dr Ian Grime, Park View Dental Practice | April 2026 | Next Review: April 2027