Hospital Trust’s new website improves online experience for patients

Sherwood Forest Hospital Trust’s more accessible public website is helping to make it easier for all patients, visitors, colleagues and local communities to access important healthcare information online.

The Trust’s new website, which was relaunched in May 2015, has been rebuilt with digital accessibility in mind. It offers a modern design that is easier to use, more mobile-friendly and is supported by an improved search function.

Acting as a digital front door to its hospitals, the website is used by around half a million people each year. The improvements have been made to support people people living with a range of access needs, which include physical and visual impairments and cognitive difficulties, to access healthcare information more easily, regardless of the device they use or the environment they are in.

The new website has also improved the Trust’s national digital accessibility ranking, rising from a lowest recorded position of 230th in October 2023 to being among the top six most accessible NHS websites in the country as of this month.

Rebecca Manning, the Trust’s Digital Communications Specialist, said: “Digital accessibility is about making sure that websites and digital services can be used by everyone, no matter which device they use, the environment they are in, or the abilities they have.

“For people with accessibility needs, navigating a website can be frustrating and can contribute to health inequalities. In an increasingly digital world, it is vital that people can find essential clinical information – such as opening times, appointment details and service information – quickly and independently.”

Lucy Davis from the Trust’s Orthoptic service works with patients living with low vision, and said accessible digital tools can make a significant difference to patients’ independence and dignity. She commented: “Vision impairment is a spectrum, and we cannot see through other people’s eyes. In the modern world, people increasingly rely on websites, apps and online services to manage their health, live independently and stay connected.”

Patient and hospital volunteer Julie Scarle, who is blind, said the changes help people find the information they need without having to rely on others: “When I am coming for appointments, I often use the website as the first port of call to find information about clinic times, ward visiting times, bus times and other details that many people take for granted.

“Finding information about my health and the services I need is not just nice to have — it can be essential. There is nothing more important than being able to access health services in a timely way.”

A video detailing the web accessibility project was recently shared at the Trust's public Board of Director's meeting, which you can view below.

The Trust remains committed to making further improvements to its digital services so that patients, visitors and local communities can access the information they need in a way that works for them.

If you would like to make a comment about how the Trust can further improve the accessibility of its public-facing website, please email sfh-tr.communications@nhs.net.