Equality and Diversity Policy
At Clarence Medical Centre we operate an Equality and Diversity Policy as follows :
The term ‘visitor’ used below refers to anyone (including patients and their family members, other visitors and contractors) making use of the Practice premises and services,
Equality, Dignity & Respect
Everyone is welcome at Clarence Medical Centre. We are committed to providing fair, accessible and respectful healthcare, while also providing a safe and respectful environment for our staff.
We want every patient, family member, carer and visitor to feel that they are treated fairly and with dignity. We recognise that people have different needs and that providing equitable healthcare does not always mean treating everyone in exactly the same way.
Our Commitment to You
We will treat patients, families, carers and visitors with dignity, fairness and respect. We will not unlawfully discriminate against, harass or victimise anyone when providing our services.
Accessible Healthcare
We will work with patients to understand communication, disability and accessibility needs and will make reasonable adjustments where required. Please tell us if there is something we can do to make it easier for you to access our services.
Individual Needs Matter
We recognise that patients may have different health, communication, cultural or personal needs. Our aim is to provide care that is fair, appropriate and responsive to the individual.
Respect Works Both Ways
Our staff also have the right to work without discrimination, harassment, abuse or threatening behaviour. Unacceptable behaviour towards staff, patients or visitors will be addressed appropriately in accordance with Practice and NHS procedures.
Need Help Accessing Our Services?
If you have a disability, communication difficulty, sensory impairment or another need that affects how you access healthcare, please tell us. This may include support with communication, access to information, physical access or other reasonable adjustments.
Protection from Discrimination
The Equality Act 2010 protects people from unlawful discrimination in relation to protected characteristics including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. The way in which these protections apply can vary depending on the circumstances and the service being provided.
Do You Have a Concern?
If you believe you have experienced discrimination, unfair treatment or difficulty accessing our services, please tell us. We want to hear about concerns so that we can investigate them appropriately and learn where improvements can be made.