GP website accessibility summary report
Our findings about how accessible GP websites are, and what can be added to make them better suited to those with additional communication needs.
GP website accessibility summary report
Published 10 July 2025
Written by the Healthwatch team
If you would like the report in another format, please contact us on 0113 898 0035 or email the team at info@healthwatchleeds.co.uk
One of our priorities at Healthwatch Leeds is ensuring that everyone has equal access to health and care services, including those with additional communication needs, such as individuals with sensory impairments or learning disabilities.
We asked a diverse range of people to test the websites of different GP practice websites across the Central and North Leeds Primary Care Network to review their accessibility. We looked at how easy it was to find the page for booking appointments, finding out how to order repeat prescriptions and if there are any accessible tools for those with communication needs.
This report summarises what we found across all the GP practice websites and provides recommendations to consider for improving the user experience and accessibility of the websites. This summary can also be used by other GP practices so that all GP websites across Leeds can be consistently improved.
In addition to the summary report, we provided each GP practice with an in-depth review of their individual websites and the suggestions that were made for each one. In response, the GP practices have provided us with an action plan to show the steps they will take to improve their websites.
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Highlights
People with additional needs consistently rated the websites lower than people without, suggesting those with additional needs are at a disadvantage.
The most common issues were websites needing BSL translation to be provided, a similar structure and better quality of translation from English to other languages.
We provided the GP surgeries with a list of adjustments to support those with additional needs, which will be considered by creating an action plan to improve based on our feedback.
What Happens Next?
The GP surgeries that we spoke to have already started impementing changes based on our recommendations. They have done this by adding clear sections, adding guidance and a resonable adjustments page to improve the overall accessibility and usability of their websites. We will share the recommendations with other health and care service providers to consider, so that their websites can also improve for everyone, including those with additional needs.
Read the Full Report
Want to know more about what we found?