New ‘Accessible Information Standard’ for NHS and Social Care Introduced

On 24 June 2015, the new ‘accessible information standard’ was approved.  All organisations that provide NHS or adult social care must follow the accessible information standard by law. 

The aim of the accessible information standard is to make sure that people who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss get information that they can access and understand, and any communication support that they need.

Organisations must follow the standard in full by 31st July 2016, and there are some things they must do before then.  As part of the accessible information standard, organisations that provide NHS or adult social care must do the following:

1. Ask people if they have any information or communication needs, and find out how to meet their needs
2. Record those needs clearly and in a set way
3. Highlight or flag the person’s file or notes so it is clear that they have information or communications needs and how to meet those needs
4. Share information about people’s information and communication needs with other providers of NHS and adult social care, when they have consent or permission to do so
5. Take steps to ensure that people receive information which they can access and understand, and receive communication support if they need it.

More information about the accessible information standard is available at www.england.nhs.uk/accessibleinfo.