Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (BTHFT) has become the first NHS trust to launch Virtual Access Guides with AccessAble, the UK’s leading provider of detailed accessibility information. 

The new digital wayfinding guides, now available via the AccessAble website, offer detailed, step-by-step information on routes and facilities within Bradford Royal Infirmary. They are designed to support patients, visitors, and staff with a wide range of access needs.  

Developed through a detailed survey assessment and mapping process by AccessAble’s trained surveyors, the Virtual Access Guides mark a significant step forward in improving accessibility across hospital sites. 

The digital initiative harnesses 360-degree virtual imagery, allowing disabled people and carers to explore hospital departments and wards in advance. Interactive symbols provide detailed facts and figures, while a shortcut menu allows users to navigate between different hospital areas.  

With key features like drop-off points, accessible toilets, hearing loops, and seating areas clearly highlighted, the Virtual Access Guides provide a reliable, user-friendly tool on both desktop and mobile devices, helping people to plan a visit or navigate areas in real time. 

The Virtual Access Guides complement the existing Detailed Access Guides available 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. 

 

Sam Hunter, Estates and Facilities Project Officer at BTHFT, 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.” 

 

Dr. Gregory Burke, Founder and Executive Chair of AccessAble, said: 

“Hospitals can be overwhelming to navigate, especially for people with accessibility needs. 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 NHS Foundation Trust is a powerful example of how innovation and collaboration can remove barriers and make healthcare more inclusive.  

“I’d like to thank the Trust for being the first in the NHS to develop AccessAble Virtual Access Guides, and for sharing our vision of an NHS where disabled people and carers can access outstanding care independently and with dignity.” 

 

The Virtual Access Guides for Bradford Teaching Hospitals are now live and can be accessed here.