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
Practice Manager Leads Forum (PMLF) – 28 January 2016 (19 Jan 2016)
The next forum will take place on Thursday 28 January 2016 at 9.30am. If you are a lead practice manager and currently represent practice managers at a LMC, Federation or...Releasing capacity in general practice: invitation to free roadshow (19 Jan 2016)
London GPs are invited to a free workshop co-hosted by NHS England and the BMA. The event is intended to improve understanding of the evidence about workload, provide insights into...Taking the next steps in encouraging the use of online services for patients (19 Jan 2016)
As the NHS develops its strategy for encouraging patients to make use of online services, the uptake within primary care has been patchy. As part of the process for ensuring...NHS England GP engagement survey (19 Jan 2016)
South East CSU is developing an outline business case for an improved system of urgent and emergency services on behalf of NHS England, and would like GPs to help by answering...Mandatory reporting requirements for GMC and NHSE Performers’ List (19 Jan 2016)
There have been a number of recent cases of GPs not being aware of the extent of the requirements for reporting an untoward occurrence to the GMC and/or NHSE under...It's election year at Londonwide LMCs! (19 Jan 2016)
It’s LMC election time again at Londonwide LMCs! Elections take place every two years on a rolling basis and any GP working in one of the 27 London boroughs we...Parental leave arrangements (19 Jan 2016)
Parental leave arrangements Since 1 April 2015, all practices have been entitled to reimbursement of the cost of GP cover for parental leave – that is maternity/paternity/adoption leave. This is...Speakers’ Corner - NHS England’s (London) Kenny Gibson on why the flu vaccine is important. (19 Jan 2016)
This month Kenny Gibson explains the importance of the flu vaccination programme. Kenny is Head of Public Health Commissioning for...Apprenticeship programme for General Practice in North West London (18 Jan 2016)
Londonwide LMCs and Health Education NWL are working in partnership with training providers to deliver apprenticeships in Business and Administration and Clinical Healthcare. We are currently running a successful pilot...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.