Healthwatch response to NHS England consultation reviewing the Accessible Information Standard
April 13, 2017
From Healthwatch England.
From 1st August 2016 onwards, all organisations that provide NHS care or adult social care are legally required to follow the Accessible Information Standard.
The standard aims to make sure that people who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss are provided with information that they can easily read or understand and with support so they can communicate effectively with health and social care services. NHS England is currently reviewing the standard to assess the impact and to ensure that it is ‘fit for purpose’.
Healthwatch England have published their contribution to the consultation review.
- It includes what local Healthwatch have been hearing over the last two years from people with sensory and communication impairment about their experiences.
- It also includes insight gathered by local Healthwatch as the AIS was being developed and implemented, as well as post implementation.
- The response draws on the work of 41 local Healthwatch, incorporating the views of more than 700 people and includes evidence from visits to 50 healthcare providers.
- Healthwatch Birmingham’s findings are also included in the response.