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Access to Work for Health Professionals

If you're a healthcare professional with a disability or long-term health condition, Access to Work can provide up to £69,260 per year to support your career.

We understand that healthcare roles have unique demands and challenges. Our comprehensive guide provides clear, step-by-step support to help you access workplace adjustments, equipment, and support services.

About Access to Work for Healthcare Professionals

Access to Work is a government scheme that provides practical support and grants to help overcome work-related obstacles resulting from disability or long-term health conditions.

Who is eligible?

If you are a healthcare professional with a disability or long-term health condition that affects your ability to do your job, you may be eligible for Access to Work support.

  • You must be disabled or have a long-term physical or mental health condition that affects your ability to do your job
  • You must be in paid employment, self-employed, or about to start work
  • You must be aged 16 or over
  • You must work (or be about to work) in England, Scotland, or Wales
  • The support must be directly related to your work duties

Access to Work Support Categories

Equipment and Adaptations

Up to £69,260 per year

Specialist equipment and workplace modifications

Examples include:
  • Assistive software and hardware
  • Ergonomic furniture and equipment
  • Workplace modifications
  • Communication devices
  • Medical equipment for work use

Support Worker Services

Up to £69,260 per year

Human support to help with work tasks

Examples include:
  • BSL interpreters and note-takers
  • Personal assistants for work tasks
  • Reader services
  • Job coaching and mentoring
  • Communication support workers

Travel and Access

100% of additional costs

Transport and access support for work-related travel

Examples include:
  • Taxi costs for shift work and on-call duties
  • Accessible accommodation during training
  • Travel costs for medical conferences and CPD
  • Parking costs at multiple NHS sites
  • Equipment transport between locations

Mental Health Support

Up to £69,260 per year

Specialist support for mental health conditions

Examples include:
  • Occupational psychology support
  • Workplace counselling services
  • Stress management coaching
  • Return-to-work support
  • Mental health first aid training

Access to Work Funding Calculator

Get an estimate of potential Access to Work funding based on your healthcare role and support needs.

Healthcare Role

Annual Salary

Primary Condition

Workplace Type

Access to Work Application Guide

Access to Work for Healthcare Roles

Access to Work support is available for all healthcare roles. Each has unique requirements and challenges that Access to Work can help address.

Doctors (All Specialties)

Typical challenges: Complex decision-making, long hours, patient interaction, clinical procedures

Access to Work Solutions:

Voice recognition, medical apps, ergonomic equipment, communication aids

Nurses (All Specialties)

Typical challenges: Shift patterns, physical care, documentation, emergency response

Access to Work Solutions:

Communication aids, ergonomic support, assistive technology, workplace modifications

Allied Health Professionals

Typical challenges: Specialized assessments, equipment use, patient treatment, documentation

Access to Work Solutions:

Adaptive equipment, assistive technology, workplace adjustments, communication support

Healthcare Scientists

Typical challenges: Laboratory work, data analysis, equipment operation, research activities

Access to Work Solutions:

Laboratory aids, assistive software, ergonomic equipment, communication devices

Healthcare Managers

Typical challenges: Meeting participation, staff management, data analysis, strategic planning

Access to Work Solutions:

Communication support, assistive technology, workplace modifications, travel support

Healthcare Support Workers

Typical challenges: Patient care, equipment handling, communication, physical tasks

Access to Work Solutions:

Ergonomic aids, communication devices, workplace adjustments, assistive equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

Real Professional Experiences

Consultant Cardiologist

Royal London Hospital
Visual impairment
"Access to Work has enabled me to continue my cardiology practice with confidence. The screen reading software and magnification equipment mean I can review patient records, imaging, and research effectively. My colleagues and patients benefit from my expertise without any compromise to care quality."

Access to Work Support:

Screen reading software (£3,500), Magnification equipment (£8,000), Workplace assessment, Travel support for conferences

Senior Staff Nurse

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Hearing impairment and tinnitus
"The communication support through Access to Work has been transformative. I can participate fully in ward rounds, emergency situations, and patient care with my hearing aids and communication devices. The support has enhanced both my confidence and patient safety."

Access to Work Support:

Hearing aids (£6,000), Communication devices (£2,500), Workplace modifications, BSL interpreter support (20 hours)

Physiotherapist

Birmingham Children's Hospital
Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
"Access to Work understood the physical demands of physiotherapy and provided practical solutions. The ergonomic equipment and flexible working arrangements mean I can provide excellent patient care while managing my conditions effectively."

Access to Work Support:

Ergonomic equipment (£4,200), Workplace assessment, Flexible working support, Travel assistance

Ready to Apply for Access to Work?

Don't navigate the Access to Work application process alone. Our healthcare employment specialists understand the unique demands of NHS and healthcare roles. We can help you access the workplace support you need to thrive in your healthcare career.