Accessible Information
Download (PDF 1.15 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Bracknell Forest, Healthwatch Slough and Healthwatch Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead undertook a survey on the needs of people for accessible information. 52 people responded.
Many people said face-to-face interaction helps to make information accessible/helps with communication (Covid lockdown and many services still not fully back to face-to-face interactions will have a major affect).
Many people said no services asked them what their information needs were. However, most people said if services have not asked them, they also have not asked as patients.
Most services did not refuse or said they could not provide accessible information, but some did. Even if information was provided, many people still said they did not get what they needed.
The impact of not getting accessible information affects physical and mental well-being as well as prevents people from accessing services and clearly understanding and communicating with them.
Many people rely on family and friends to communicate with services on their behalf.
Many people are unsure what they are entitled to in terms of accessible information.
Many people do not know how to complain if they are not given the accessible information they need.