Accessible Information
Download (PDF 1023.73 KB)Summary of report content
In 2016 the Accessible Information Standard was introduced to give disabled people and people with sensory loss the legal right to receive information from the NHS and local adult social care.
Healthwatch in East Berkshire (Healthwatch Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead, Healthwatch Slough and Healthwatch Bracknell Forest) undertook a piece of work to find out if the standard is being delivered as it should be to those residents in East Berkshire who need accessible information.
- Many people said face-to-face interaction helps to make information accessible/helps with communication.
- Some people said no services asked them what their information needs were.
- Some people said they had not told services about their information needs, primarily because they don’t know what they are entitled to or have a difficulty asking.
- 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.
- There is little information in health settings about the Accessible Information Standard and peoples right under the standard.
- Many people do not know how to complain if they are not given the accessible information they need.
The report contains four recommendations about running an awareness campaign, information on the local Trust website, communication and complaints.