Accessibility statement for Ladybarn Group Practice

This accessibility statement applies to www.ladybarngp.co.uk.

We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. That means you should be able to:

  • navigate most of the website using just a keyboard

  • use zoom up to 400% without loss of content or functionality

  • use a screen reader to understand page structure and links

  • find and complete common tasks using clear, task‑based content rather than long pages of text

We aim for this website to meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA as required for public sector websites and NHS services.

How accessible this website is

We know some parts of this website are not fully accessible. For example:

  • Some pages may contain headings that need improving to ensure a consistent, logical hierarchy for screen readers.

  • Some links could be clearer so their purpose is obvious out of context (for example, avoiding “click here”).

  • Some third‑party content and tools that we link to (for example, online consultation platforms or maps) may not fully meet accessibility standards—we are working with suppliers but cannot guarantee their conformance.

  • Any legacy documents (PDFs/Word) may not be fully accessible. Where possible we will publish information in HTML rather than PDF because HTML is usually more accessible.

If you find any problems not listed on this page, or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, please contact us (details below).

Feedback and contact information

If you need information on this website in a different format (for example large print, easy read, audio, Braille, BSL or another language), or if you need communication support, please contact us:

  • Telephone: 0161 448 4500 (Mon–Fri, 8:00–18:30)

  • Post or in person: Ladybarn Group Practice, 54 Briarfield Road, Manchester, M20 4SS

  • Or use the details on our Contact page

Tell us what format you need and your contact details. We’ll consider your request and get back to you within 10 working days. (We follow NHS good practice and the Accessible Information Standard to identify, record and meet communication needs.)

Contacting us by phone or visiting us in person

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, please tell our team your communication needs and we will arrange appropriate support (for example, BSL interpreter or written notes) in line with the Accessible Information Standard. The practice has a step‑free ground floor entrance and lift access to first‑floor rooms.

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018. If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS). See the GOV.UK guidance on accessibility requirements for public sector bodies.

Technical information about this website’s accessibility

Ladybarn Group Practice is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 and NHS digital service guidance. Our goal is to meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA.

Compliance status

We believe this website is partially compliant with WCAG 2.2 AA, due to the non‑compliances and exemptions listed below.

Non‑accessible content

The content listed below is non‑accessible for the following reasons.

Non‑compliance with the accessibility regulations

  • Headings and structure – Some pages may have heading levels that are skipped or not applied consistently. This can fail success criteria such as 1.3.1 Info and Relationships and 2.4.6 Headings and Labels. We have fixed heading levels on the Appointments page. Some other pages may still need heading improvements; we’re auditing and correcting these.

  • Link purpose – Some links may not clearly describe their destination when read out of context (e.g., “learn more”). This can fail 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context). We’ve replaced vague link text on the Appointments page with descriptive labels. Some other pages may still contain non‑descriptive links which we’re updating.

  • Target size on mobile – Some tap targets may be smaller than recommended on small screens, affecting 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum). We’re converting text links to button blocks where appropriate. The main call‑to‑action buttons on Appointments now meet the Target Size (Minimum) guidance; we will roll this out across other pages.

  • Form labelling and error messages – Some form fields may rely on placeholder text rather than labels, which can affect 1.3.1 Info and Relationships and 3.3.x Input Assistance. We’re adding visible labels and clearer error messages. Where we use Squarespace forms on the Appointments journey, we’ve ensured visible labels and clearer error messages; we will review remaining forms across the site.

Content that’s not within the scope of the accessibility regulations

  • Third‑party platforms – Pages may link to services or content we do not control (for example, online consultation systems, maps or external NHS services). We encourage suppliers to meet WCAG 2.2 AA, but these are outside our codebase.

  • Older PDFs and documents – Some legacy documents that are not essential to using the site may not be fully accessible. Where documents are essential, we will replace them with accessible HTML or accessible documents. (Public‑sector guidance expects HTML to be used in most cases.)

Disproportionate burden

At present we are reviewing whether remediating a small number of historic, non‑essential PDFs would be a disproportionate burden. If we determine that it is, we will publish a short assessment here and ensure the same information is available in accessible HTML or on request.

What we’re doing to improve accessibility

  • Adopting NHS content style: rewriting key journeys (e.g., appointments, prescriptions) as short, task‑based pages in plain English.

  • Systematic WCAG fixes: improving headings, link text, focus visibility, form labels and tap targets to meet WCAG 2.2 AA.

  • Reduce PDFs: replacing documents with accessible HTML where possible.

  • Supplier assurance: engaging with third‑party suppliers to encourage conformance with WCAG 2.2 and the NHS service standard.

  • Feb 2026: Rewrote the Appointments page into a plain‑English, task‑based flow; improved headings, link text and touch targets on this page. Next, we’ll apply the same improvements to Prescriptions, New Patients and Self Care.

We aim to complete the first round of fixes during the next regular content update cycle and will reflect progress in this statement.

Improvements made

We have replaced FAQ‑style appointment content with a task‑based page using clear headings, plain English and descriptive links to improve findability and reduce cognitive load.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

  • This statement was prepared on 17 February 2026 and will be reviewed at least annually.

  • It was prepared following a self‑assessment against WCAG 2.2 AA using keyboard‑only navigation checks, browser zoom checks, and automated testing tools. We also reviewed the site against NHS and GOV.UK guidance for public‑sector accessibility statements.

  • We will consider commissioning an external audit to validate our findings and further improve compliance.

If you need help right now

  • Call us: 0161 448 4500 (Mon–Fri, 8:00–18:30)

  • Visit or write to us: Ladybarn Group Practice, 54 Briarfield Road, Manchester, M20 4SS

  • Find other contact options on our Contact page

Why accessibility matters in the NHS

The NHS is for everyone. Public sector bodies (including GP practices) must meet the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations and publish an accessibility statement; NHS services should meet WCAG and follow the NHS digital service manual to make services inclusive.