"Wayfaring at a visit to the out patient department"

I had an appointment at Clackmannan Community Health care centre - easy to get too and great parking with a clear entrance to the centre. I arrived at 1. 50 well in time for my 2. 10 appointment. When I went in reception was unmanned and the front area was lit poorly but on the far wall was a sign pointing to outpatients which I followed but it took me to some stairs which did not seem right and there were no further signs that I could see so I retraced my steps back to reception where I read a notice pinned to the window FOR ALL OUT PATIENT CLINICS REPORT TO RECEPTION ON GROUND LEVEL WHICH IS ONE LEVEL UP USING LIFT/STAIRS (This was written in block capitals so does not adhere to the principles of accessible writing) Granted the notice was headed THIS IS THE LOWER GROUND LEVEL but when you are anxious about a hospital appointment your ability to process information is compromised and I did not read the heading at first. Anyway I followed the new instructions and found my way. I mentioned to the receptionist that I thought their wayfaring could be improved and she just smiled and said 'oh I no but there is not much we can do' My comment sparked off agreement from others in the waiting room who had had similar difficulties including from a person with a lady in a wheelchair where having to go and up and down the corridor would be more challenging than my walk!

My appointment when I got there was efficient, supportive and professional but the signposting in the centre is poor. Think testing out your wayfaring with someone who does not know the layout of the centre and with limited literacy skills would be a big help to improving it