Making health and social care information accessible
The new Accessible Information Standards for GP Practices has been launched by NHS England and comes into force on 31 July 2016. Practices must ensure that all information and communication support is provided in appropriate formats for people who have a disability, an impairment or have experienced sensory loss. The aim is for them to have access to information that can be easily understood, for example in large print, braille or translation via a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter.
By 1 September 2015, practices should:
- Prepare for implementation of the Standard, including assessing their current systems and processes, develop and commence roll out of a local implementation plan.
- Ensure implementation guidance accompanying the Standard has been read and used to inform local decision-making.
By 1 April 2016, practices are required to:
- Review how they will ensure that people will be able to receive information/communications which they can readily access and understand.
- Practices will need to be in a position to identify and record information/communication needs when patients first contact/register.
- Identify and record information/communication needs as part of ongoing contact by patients already registered
By 31 July 2016, practices will need to have done the following:
- Identified all patient information/communication needs
- Highlighted or ‘flagged’ in the person’s file or notes so it is clear that they have information or communication needs and how those needs should be met.
- Recorded the details clearly
- Flagged the patients’ notes accordingly
- Shared people’s information and communication needs with other providers of NHS and adult social care, when they have consent or permission to do so.
- Ensure people receive information they can access and understand, and receive communication support if they need
Requirements, criteria and timelines practices must follow are outlined in the specifications.
Enquiries regarding implementation of the Accessible Information Standard should
be directed to NHS England by emailing england.nhs.participation@nhs.net
Further information and documentation about the Accessible Information Standard can be found at www.england.nhs.uk/accessibleinfo
Last updated : 12 Aug 2015
Setting the future framework for your Patient Participation Group, event for practice managers and PPG leads, 25 January 2017 (06 Dec 2016)
Mword 31 - We have your backs (01 Dec 2016)
1 December...Meeting with David Burrowes MP (24 Nov 2016)
On 4 November Dr Michelle Drage met David Burrowes, the Conservative MP for Enfield Southgate, at the Gillan House Surgery in his constituency. They were joined by Dr Vicky Weeks,...Health Select Committee winter pressure report endorses community general practice model (24 Nov 2016)
On 3 November the Health Select Committee released its report Winter pressure in accident and emergency departments. The main findings reflect our concerns that lack of support for community...PCSE Performers List problems and alternative arrangements (24 Nov 2016)
All GP trainees, newly qualified GPs and GPs applying to join the Medical Performers’ List should be aware of the following issues: GPs are not lawfully allowed to perform any...New GPC Co-Commissioning Guidance (24 Nov 2016)
The BMA General Practitioners Committee have issued a guidance update for GP practices and LMCs in England about options for Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) to take greater commissioning control (“co-commissioning”),...2016 Autumn Statement and Dr Michelle Drage's response (24 Nov 2016)
Yesterday (Wednesday) Chancellor, Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP, delivered his first, and last, Autumn Statement. From 2017 there will be a Spring statement responding the Spring OBR report and an...November 2016 newsletter out now (24 Nov 2016)
Our November 2016 workforce survey is now live (24 Nov 2016)
Thank you in advance for making space in your hectic day to complete our short survey on practice workforce issues which will help us to gather insight to share with...Patient participation workshops starting in the New Year (24 Nov 2016)
Our Patient Engagement project has been working with practices and patient participation group (PPG) members to identify the benefits and challenges involved in developing active and effective PPGs. As a...Guidance
We provide expert guidance for practices in our guidance section, as well as an archive of other materials you may find useful.
GP Support
Contact our GP Support team if you need help or advice.
The team provide professional and pastoral support to GPs and practice teams on a broad range of issues.