New recommendations of the Monetary Policy Council: how to facilitate access to psychiatry for people with disabilities?

For many people with disabilities, access to psychiatry is not just a matter of health – it is a matter of dignity, understanding and real presence in the healthcare system. Unfortunately, today this accessibility often remains only theoretical. That is why every initiative that changes this state of affairs is so valuable – and one of them has just appeared on the website of the Patient Rights Ombudsman.

The “Good Practices” tab has published new material that can help overcome barriers – architectural, procedural and communicational. The author of the study is Hanna Pasterny from the Wielogłos Foundation – an expert and activist who has been involved in accessibility issues for years. Her recommendations are not a general appeal – they are specific, practical tips for psychiatric facilities and other healthcare institutions.

Although the study focuses primarily on the situation of patients hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals, its value is much broader. It shows how to talk, how to plan space and procedures so that people with disabilities can use psychiatric care without additional stress and a sense of exclusion.

People with disabilities struggling with a mental health crisis are exposed to double stigmatization – due to their disability and mental health problems. Lack of understanding, communication barriers, inadequate infrastructure – all this means that access to treatment is often practically closed to them.

New recommendations show how this can be changed – at a low cost, but through mindfulness, cooperation and a conscious approach. These include:

• adapting the space (elevator, contrasting markings, induction loops),

• accessible communication (subtitles, easy-to-understand language, Braille markings),

• testing websites by people with various disabilities,

• participation of people with disabilities themselves and their caregivers in planning solutions.

Each disability has different needs – the recommendations take this diversity into account, encouraging the creation of an environment in which no one is left alone.

Implementing good practices not only helps patients – it also provides real support for medical staff. Better organization, clear procedures and better understanding of patients’ needs mean greater comfort at work and a lower risk of errors. And this is a benefit that translates into the entire system.

The full text of the material can be found here: Good practices in the area of ​​accessibility of psychiatry for people with disabilities

The Patient Rights Ombudsman encourages sharing good practices implemented in facilities – proposals can be sent to the following address: ???? [email protected]