Easy read and accessible information
Accessible information is information that is provided in a way that works for you, so you can understand it and use it to make decisions about your health and wellbeing.
What is accessible information?
Accessible information means providing letters, leaflets, test results, appointment details or care information in a format that someone can understand.
This might include:
- large print
- email instead of printed letters
- audio versions of information
- braille
- British Sign Language videos or interpreters
- easy read versions
- plain English or simpler explanations
- extra time during appointments to explain things
- text messages if you cannot use the phone
You should not have to rely on friends or family to read information for you.
What is easy read?
Easy read is a way of presenting information using:
- short sentences
- simple words
- clear layouts
- helpful images or icons
Easy read is mainly used by people with learning disabilities, but it can also be helpful for people with autism, people who find reading difficult, or anyone who prefers information presented in a clearer format.
For example, an easy read version of a hospital letter might include:
- what the appointment is for
- where it will take place
- how to get there
- what will happen
- pictures to support the text
- what to do if you need to change the time
Why accessible information matters
When information is not accessible, people can:
- miss appointments because letters are unreadable
- misunderstand test results
- struggle to give informed consent
- feel anxious or excluded
- rely on others to interpret private information
People have told us:
“I kept getting letters I couldn’t read. Once I asked for email instead, everything became much easier.”
Your rights under the Accessible Information Standard
Health and care services must:
- ask you if you have any communication or access needs
- record these needs clearly
- make sure staff can see this information
- provide information in a format that works for you
- check regularly if your needs have changed
For example, if your GP knows you need large print, they should make sure all letters and documents are sent in large print every time.
If you are Deaf and use British Sign Language, staff should arrange an interpreter for your appointments.
If you struggle with written information, you should be offered clearer explanations or easy read versions.
What you can ask for
You can ask your GP, dentist, hospital or social care team to:
- record your communication needs in your notes
- send information in a format you can understand
- arrange support such as interpreters
- give you time to ask questions
- explain things in plain English
You do not have to explain why you need these adjustments. You only need to say what works best for you.
If your needs are not met
If you are not receiving information in the right format, you can:
- remind the service of your communication needs
- ask for these to be added to your record
- raise a concern with the service directly
- ask us, Healthwatch North Yorkshire, for advice or support
We can help you understand your rights and what you should expect from services.
Further things to help you
Here are some good downloadable leaflets and easy-read guides you can use or share:
-
NHS England’s Easy Read Information page: These resources include photo stories, national plans, and simple guides to support people with learning disabilities or autism.
• South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Easy Read Leaflets: A collection of easy-read leaflets on a variety of health topics which you can download and use.
Feel free to share these, print them, or ask your service to use the versions that work for you.
