Information for survivors of trauma | Healthwatch Liverpool

Sometimes trauma can make it more difficult to us to carry out life activities – including accessing health care. The information presented on this page and via the links below is to help you to consider what might make accessing health care easier if you are affected by trauma.

You will also find information about Trauma Cards which can be used to let health and care professionals know that you may find healthcare appointments and procedures difficult and anxiety-inducing. They are also a means of communicating the steps that a healthcare professional can take to support you.

The Liverpool trauma card project has been developed in response to a recommendation in Healthwatch Liverpool’s 2024 report on ‘The impact of Sexual Trauma on attendance for health appointments’ . The cards are based on a template produced by The Survivors Trust and have been developed in partnership between Healthwatch Liverpool and Liverpool Women's Hospital (part of University Hospitals of Liverpool Group).

About Trauma Cards

There are four kinds of cards that you can use to make health or care professionals aware that you are a survivor of trauma. Some are small enough to fit in your pocket and contain general information and advice for professionals, while others are larger and have space for you to suggest specific adjustments that could be made to support you. Click the image to see the different designs.

The cards are currently only being officially accepted at Gynae Outpatients clinics at Liverpool Women’s Hospital (April 2025) but should be in use across the rest of the hospital and at other sites following evaluation of the pilot scheme, and a staff training programme. We will update this page regularly.

Cards should be available at Liverpool Women’s Hospital (Crown Street site) or can be ordered for personal use via email.

View the cards

Accessing healthcare appointments as a survivor of sexual trauma

Information about the impact that trauma arising from sexual abuse or assault can have when accessing healthcare and what you can do to make you feel more comfortable and empowered when attending health related appointments.

Accessing Healthcare as a survivor of other forms of trauma

Information about the impact that various forms of non-sexual trauma can have when accessing healthcare and what you can do to make you feel more comfortable and empowered when attending health related appointments.