Accessible Information Standard Anniversary

Any group that provides NHS Health or Social Care support needs to take steps to ensure that all people can access the information they need to stay healthy. 

They need to: 

• Ask people if they have any information or communication needs and find out how to meet their needs  
• Record those needs in a set way  
• Highlight a person’s file, so it is clear that they have information or communication needs, and clearly explain how those needs should be met  
• Share information about a person’s needs with other NHS and adult social care providers, when they have consent or permission to do so  
• Make sure that people get information in an accessible way and communication support if they need it 

You can access the full standard on the NHS website. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, services have needed to change quickly and communicate these updates to the public remotely which has presented challenges for those people with additional needs.  

Through public engagement, Healthwatch West Sussex have identified the areas where public have difficulty accessing up to date information, such as GP appointment changes, dental service changes and information for the deaf, blind or those with a learning disability. 

More information

If you, or someone you know needs information provided in a different format, the following organisations have information about Covid-19:

• Sign Health have resources for people using British Sign Language (BSL) 
• Mencap have a variety of Easy read resources  
• Latest NHS guidance translated into 60 languages from Doctors of the World 
• Royal National Institute for the Blind have information for those who are blind or visually impaired