Setting the standard for accessible information
NHS England has produced a briefing about the Standard for Accessible Information which CfGS is circulating via its newsletter and networks. The Accessible Information Standard was published in July 2015, following approval as a new ‘information standard’ for the NHS and adult social care system. The Standard directs and defines a specific, consistent approach to identifying, recording, flagging, sharing and meeting individuals’ information and communication support needs, where those needs relate to a disability, impairment or sensory loss. All providers of NHS care and/or publicly-funded adult social care must follow the Standard in full from 1st August 2016 onward (in line with section 250 Health and Social Care Act 2012). Commissioners (including Clinical Commissioning Groups and local authorities) are also required to support implementation and compliance.
The briefing gives more information about the Standard and suggests ways that health overview and scrutiny can engage with the Standard and the issues and outcomes it aims to affect. As well as considering how the Standard is impacting on the experiences and outcomes for people who use health and social care services as part of ongoing work, there will be an opportunity in early 2017 to take part in a review of the application and impact of the Standard.
This link downloads the briefing in full.
About the Author: Tim Gilling
Tim is a Director at the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny, leads on health and social care and oversees our work in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
