Accessible Information Standard

What is the Accessible Information Standard?

Compliance with information standards of this type is a mandatory requirement for NHS trusts and general practices. This is set out in Section 250 of the Health and Social Care Act.

The Accessible Information Standard aims to ensure that people who have a disability or sensory loss receive information in a format they can access and easily understand, for example, in large print, braille, or via email, and professional communication support if they need it, for example, from a British Sign Language interpreter.

The Standard requires organisations that provide NHS or adult social care to:

1. Ask people if they have any information or communication needs and find out how to meet them.
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 communication needs and how to meet those needs.
4. Share 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 that they can access and understand and receive communication support if they need it.

Which patients are affected by the standard?

The standard applies to 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 caregivers of patients or 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 deafblind, and people with a learning disability. However, this list is not exhaustive.

Woodside Medical Practice will ask newly registered patients about their specific needs when registering. For existing patients, our staff will routinely ask when you visit.

Please help us communicate with you effectively by making us aware of your specific needs.