A Health Care Passport – sometimes called a Hospital Passport or Health Passport is a personalised document that helps people share important information about their health, communication, and support needs. It is designed to ensure that health and care staff understand the person as an individual, so they can provide safe, compassionate, and person‑centred care.
Health Care Passports are particularly helpful for people with learning disabilities, autism, communication difficulties, dementia, or complex health conditions, but anyone who may need support to communicate can use one.
The Health and Care Passport gives health and social care professionals the key information they need to understand you as an individual, so they can provide the right care and support. It helps them make any reasonable adjustments you may need and communicate with you in the way that works best, ensuring your voice is always heard.
A Health Care Passport makes sure the person’s voice is heard, even when they may find it difficult to express themselves. It helps health and care professionals understand:
- what is important to the person
- how they prefer to communicate
- how they show pain, anxiety, or distress
- what support helps them feel safe and comfortable
Using a passport improves communication, reduces anxiety, and helps teams provide more personalised care.
A person‑centred Health Care Passport focuses on strengths, preferences, and what matters most to the individual. It may include:
About the Person
- How they like to be addressed
- A photo
- Their interests and the things they enjoy
- The people who are important in their life
How They Communicate
- Preferred communication methods
- What helps them understand information
- Signs they may be feeling worried, overwhelmed, or in pain
- Strategies that help them feel calm and reassured
Health Information
- Medical conditions and diagnoses
- Current medication and allergies
- How they show pain or discomfort
- Equipment or mobility needs
- Eating, drinking, and swallowing support
Routines and Preferences
- Daily routines that are important
- Sensory needs, likes, and dislikes
- Cultural or religious considerations
- Anything that helps staff provide care in a respectful, person-centred way
A Health Care Passport should be shared whenever the person:
- attends a hospital or GP appointment
- visits A&E
- is admitted to hospital
- meets new health or care staff
- moves between services
Keeping the passport up to date helps ensure everyone involved in the person’s care has accurate, essential information.
The person can complete their passport themselves, or with support from:
- family members
- carers or support workers
- learning disability or autism teams
- health or social care professionals
Support is available to help ensure the passport reflects the person’s wishes, preferences, and communication needs.