Supporting a Trainee with a Disability

 
 

What is disability?

Disability is defined in the Equality Act 2010 as being 'a physical or mental impairment.' It includes long term conditions like MS and cancer as well as neurological differences including ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. These latter diagnoses are considered under our neurodiversity resources (link). It is important to keep in mind that although impairments are listed in the Act, individuals may not consider themselves disabled.

We continue to welcome and benefit from growing diversity in our workplace and acknowledge working as a disabled trainee can lead to additional challenges. These may include, but are not limited to:

1. Physical accessibility: requiring reasonable adjustments.

2. The learning environment: traditional teaching methods may not cater to diverse learning needs.

3. Long working hours: shift working can be demanding.

4. Stigma and bias: Misconceptions or biases among colleagues and peers regarding capability which may impact integration and opportunities.

Below are resources that you may find useful or may wish to signpost your trainee to:

  1. Educate yourself

  2. Reasonable Adjustments

  3. Disability passport

  4. Local and external Networks

 
 

1. Educate yourself

Understand NHS Lothians aims for equality and human rights.

Welcomed and Valued - GMC document describing experiences of medical students and disabled doctors as well as advice for trainers in Chapter 6

 
 

2. Read the reasonable adjustments guidance

This helpful guide (NHS intranet link) covers information on disability, the law, how NHS Lothian supports disabled staff and expectations for managers.

NHS Lothian HR online has some very useful resources including specific Disability Guidance on Reasonable Adjustments (NHS intranet link).


Here are some reasonable adjustments examples with an associated advice line from the Equality and Human Rights Commission'

 
 

3. Develop a Disability Passport

A disability passport (NHS intranet link) is a document completed by a disabled trainee and their line manager (trainer). It provides a framework for discussion and is a way of recording a conversation about needs and agreed actions. This information can be shared, with consent, with their next supervisor.

 
 
 

4. Connect with Local and External Networks

Please see our disability resources for links to local and external networks which you can signpost your trainee to.

NHS Lothian Disabled Employees Network (DEN)