Websites & patient experience · Website help · Visit administration and preparation

Explain how to discuss a companion attending the appointment

A patient wants someone with them but cannot tell whether the website's visitor information covers the waiting room or participation in the appointment. The distinction matters to their planning.

What to change

Explain the practice's process for discussing a companion before attendance. Have the service owner approve any boundaries and keep the language respectful and specific.

A worked example

Illustrative example

A patient wishes a family member to join their consultation. The page directs them to reception to discuss that request, while separate arrival information explains the ordinary waiting area.

How to check the result

The patient can ask for the arrangement they need without interpreting a general visitor policy as approval.

A mistake to avoid

Do not promise that every companion can attend every part of every appointment without the service owner's confirmation.

Your action checklist

Use these checks to prepare a discussion with your team or supplier. Tick a check when you have recorded the decision or evidence, rather than when a feature has simply been promised.

Decisions to record

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Healthcare website design showing connected desktop and mobile service and enquiry layouts.
Make the service and next step clear on every screen.
Healthcare website accessibility illustrated by a focus outline, keyboard key, contrast samples and form.
Review keyboard access, contrast and understandable form fields.
Healthcare website testing with desktop and mobile forms, a checklist and success and error states.
Check complete journeys and explain failures clearly.

Further reading

These primary sources provide additional context for the project decisions above.

Related decisions

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