Accessible Information Standard – the ins and outs

Guidance on the Accessible Information Standard is available online.

The standard aims to make sure that people regardless of any disabilities have access to all communications and tells organisations how to make information accessible to patients, service users, their carers and parents.

This includes making sure that people get information in different formats such as large print, braille or easy read via email.

The new Accessible Information Standard was agreed on 24^th June and has to be fully implemented by July this year.

As part of the standard, organisations that provide NHS or adult social care must do five things.  They must:

• ask people if they have any information or communication needs, and find out how to meet their needs
• record these 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 need 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 I they need it.

 

Guidelines can be found at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/patients/accessibleinfo-2/

For further guidance, please contact Navrita Atwal by email navrita.atwal@eastamb.nhs.uk

Published 25th March, 2016