Accident & Emergency

Whilst waiting with my son in Accident and Emergency yesterday afternoon (nothing broken, just a nasty sprain to his wrist) I began to look around at the  signage. Even as you walk in, although it is pretty obvious that the large wooden fronted area in front of you is reception, there is only a small sign hanging high from the ceiling and at the moment we walked in no receptionist/triage nurse. When I say obvious, of course I mean, to those who do not have any visual impairment. Even with full sight, because you are often a little panicked when you arrive at those places, you find yourself have to work a little just to register.

Then, after the initial assessment (ok, take these pain killers and when they kick in we can reassess/x-ray) it is then that you really start looking around, you have a lot of time to look around. A couple of drinks and a packet of crisps later the toilet is required. Here we go again, and to cut a long search short, you once again learn that always look at the ceiling for directions, once again it was hanging there, inconspicuous and out of the way, I guess so that it does not get in the cleaners way or is not a trip hazard.

Next, the posters that are put around, often neatly on a display area, but nowhere near where you are sat waiting, that are giving you information on how to stay healthy and how not to drink and drive, seem pointless. The only things you are looking at during your wait are the empty chair opposite you, the door through which a doctor or nurse may come calling your or your relatives name or your mobile phone. Yes the phone that you are not supposed to use, but as you can't see the poster telling you not to, you carry on texting your mates saying how cool it is to not be in school, (not me you understand). No I was using mine to take pics of the reception area, they are not great, but I was trying to be a little discrete.

So now I think I will look at these pics and see if the wayshowing could be improved and therefore increase inclusivity.

Ok, looks like a reception, but signage is only the ceiling hung one to the left of the desk.

Again, main toilet sign hanging from ceiling. The toilet is actually tucked away down the dimly lit corridor.

The main information poster display, behind you at reception, and a distance from the waiting area.

The empty seat your often stair at. Is this where the information should be?