The Accessible Information Standard came into force from 31st July 2016 across health and social care in England.The aim is to ensure patients 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, 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 ability to self-care and adhere to clinical and medical advice. 

 

As a health provider, we would like you to contact us at info@ic24.nhs.uk so that we are aware of your communication preference. You can find out more by clicking the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/patients/accessibleinfo/

 

IC24 will:

• Use the information our patients have provided us with on their communication needs and establish how to meet them.
• Record those needs received by IC24 securely and clearly.
• Work with GP practices to identify how these can be highlighted to IC24 by the GP Practice when their patients access IC24’s urgent care services.
• Share patient information and communication needs with other providers of NHS and adult social care, when they have consent or permission to do so.    
• Take steps to ensure that patients receive information which they can access and understand and receive communication support if they need it.  

 

Please let us know at info@ic24.nhs.uk 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 our secure database and will help us prepare for the next time you use our services.

 

Thank you.