Designing Care That Works for Everyone
Why Inclusion Starts with the Basics
When we talk about inclusion in healthcare, we often think of big reforms, policies, or strategic plans. But some of the most meaningful change happens through the basics: signage, waiting rooms, appointment systems, and everyday interactions.
Inclusion isn’t a special feature. It’s a foundation.
The Hidden Barriers
Many barriers in healthcare are unintentional but deeply impactful. For example:
Forms that only recognise certain family structures
Websites that are hard to navigate for people with visual impairments or low digital literacy
Waiting rooms with no materials in other languages
Appointment times that don’t accommodate shift workers or carers
These may seem small — but they shape how welcome and supported people feel.
What Inclusive Design Looks Like
Designing for inclusion means:
Using plain, respectful, accessible language
Creating visual environments that reflect diversity
Building systems that allow for flexibility and choice
Involving patients in the design and feedback process
It’s not about perfection. It’s about intention, empathy, and usability.
Equity Is in the Everyday
We often focus on what happens inside the consultation room. But the experience begins long before:
Can someone find your clinic?
Do they feel safe when they walk in?
Are they treated with dignity at reception?
These moments build trust — or quietly erode it.
My Perspective as a Health Equity Advocate
I’ve worked in many settings where good intentions clashed with poor design. And I’ve seen how simple changes can open up care to people who previously felt excluded.
Equity lives in the detail. It’s not about doing more — it’s about doing better.
Final Thoughts
Design is a powerful tool for inclusion.
By starting with the basics — clear signs, kind language, flexible systems — we create spaces that feel human, not just clinical.
Because if we want care that works for everyone, we have to design it with everyone in mind.