Accessible Information Standard

As of 31 July 2016, anyone providing a service on behalf of NHS England or in publicly funded adult social care must now provide information in a format that their patients can access. The Accessible Information Standard covers appointment letters, leaflets, letters regarding treatment and conditions as well as the dispensing labels on prescriptions.

The new Standard is in addition to the existing obligation under the Equality Act 2010 on service providers (including the NHS) to provide information in accessible formats.

The standard includes rules about:

• How and when NHS and adult social care services record your information and communication needs
  
• Sharing your information and communication needs across services (with your permission so you don’t have to keep requesting alternative formats)
  
• How your information and communication needs are met
  

If you need, or know someone who needs their NHS information in an alternative format you must officialy notify your GP.