The Accessible Information Standard came into force on 31st July 2016 across health and social care in England.
The aim is to ensure disabled people have access to information that they can understand and are provided with any communication support they may need.
Which organisations does the Standard apply to?
All organisations that provide NHS or adult social care must follow the Standard. This includes NHS Trusts and NHS Foundation Trusts, independent contractors and providers from the private and voluntary sectors.
Which patients are affected by the Standard?
The Standard applies to all patients and service users who have information and/or communication needs relating to a disability, impairment or sensory loss. It also applies to parents and the carers of patients/service users who have such information and/or communication needs where appropriate. Individuals most likely to be affected by the Standard include people who are blind or deaf, who have some hearing and/or visual loss, people who are deaf/blind and people with a learning disability. However this list is not exhaustive.
What impact will implementing the Standard have?
Successful implementation of the Standard aims to lead to improved outcomes and experiences, and the provision of safer and more personalised care and services to those individuals who come within the Standard's scope. It should lead to improvements in patient satisfaction and experience, patient safety, outcomes (for example an earlier diagnosis and treatment of a condition) and patient's ability to self care and adhere to clinical and medical advice.
As a Practice, we are currently working towards the Standard and identifying those patients with information and communication needs.
You can find out more by clicking the following link:
Accessible Information Guide in Easy Words and Pictures
You can also watch a video in British Sign Language (BSL) or listen to an audio recording.
As standard policy, Ilkley & Wharfedale Medical Practice will:
1. Ask patients if they have any information or communication needs, and establish how to meet them.
2. Record those needs clearly and in a set way.
3. Highlight or flag the patient's medical records so it is clear they have information or communication needs and how to meet those needs.
4. Share patient'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 patients receive information which they can access and understand and recive communication support if they need it.
Please let the practice know if you have a disability, impairment or sensory loss, and the kind of information and communication support that you need. This will be noted on your medical records and will help us prepare for the next time you use our services. Thank you.