Become Makaton Friendly
Health settings (doctors, dentists, opticians, specialist services and hospital departments)
Why Makaton?
Navigating healthcare settings can be overwhelming, especially for individuals with communication difficulties. Meet Sam, a young person who communicates using Makaton and regularly visits their GP for essential blood tests. While Sam’s parents or support worker assist during appointments, Sam often feels anxious and confused because information isn’t always presented in a way they can easily understand.
By becoming Makaton Friendly, your healthcare setting, with the support of a Makaton Tutor, can ensure individuals like Sam feel calm, understood, and supported throughout their medical journey.
Become Makaton Friendly today!
Imagine a Makaton Friendly health setting
Here’s how Makaton can make a difference for patients like Sam:
- Arriving at the appointment:
A Makaton support board in reception shows the names and roles of staff, helping Sam feel welcomed and confident about who they’ll meet.
- During the appointment:
Signs and symbols help to explain the steps of the procedure, ensuring Sam understands what’s happening at each stage.
- Moving between rooms:
Clear, symbolled signage for toilets, reception, and consulting rooms helps Sam navigate the space independently.
- Conversations with staff:
Makaton-trained staff use signs, symbols, and communication boards to involve Sam in discussions, allowing them to ask questions and feel included.
This approach creates a calmer, more supportive environment where patients like Sam can better understand their care and feel reassured throughout their visit.
How your health setting can become Makaton Friendly
Becoming Makaton Friendly is easy with the right tools, training, and the support of your Makaton Tutor. Here’s how your Makaton Tutor will guide you through the process:
1. Create an inclusive space
- Work with your Makaton Tutor to use symbolled signage to identify key areas like reception, consulting rooms, and fire exits.
- Your Makaton Tutor will guide you in embedding Makaton Resources in your environment. For example, posters in reception to ensure every visitor feels comfortable and informed.
2. Train your team
- Your Makaton Tutor will help you provide the agreed Makaton training for your staff, equipping them with the appropriate skills to communicate effectively.
3. Incorporate Makaton in appointments
- Your Makaton Tutor will show you how to make the most of your Premium Group Membership, using Makaton signs, symbols, and resources to enhance communication across your setting.
- They will help ensure both written and verbal communications are made accessible using Makaton, so every visitor can engage and participate.
4. Maintain a calm environment
- With your Makaton Tutor’s support, ensure all staff give patients time to ask questions and express themselves, reducing anxiety during appointments.
- Your Makaton Tutor will help ensure consistent Makaton use, building familiarity and trust for your patients with every visit.
Why it matters
Becoming Makaton Friendly benefits everyone involved in healthcare:
- For patients: They feel understood, supported, and confident in engaging with their care.
- For staff: They gain valuable tools to communicate effectively, improving the quality of care provided and enhancing job satisfaction.
- For families and support workers: They feel reassured knowing the individuals they care for are understood and supported in a way that values their unique communication needs.
- For your health setting It enhances your reputation as an inclusive and accessible healthcare provider, building trust with the community.
Start your journey today
Join the growing number of healthcare settings making a difference. With the expert guidance of a Makaton Tutor, you can create a truly inclusive environment where everyone feels supported.
Get in touch with a Makaton Tutor to develop a tailored plan for your setting. From training to implementing resources, your Makaton Tutor will guide you every step of the way to ensure your patients feel welcomed, understood, and cared for.
If you are unable to find a Makaton Friendly Tutor in your area, please get in touch with the Makaton Places team on [email protected]
Ready to apply?
Together, let’s create a healthcare environment where everyone can communicate, participate, and feel at ease with confidence — supported by your Makaton Tutor every step of the way!