Accessibility should be at the forefront of decisions when creating patient information.

In the UK, one in five people have a disability - this could be visual, hearing, motor or cognitive (affecting memory and thinking). But the concept of accessibility doesn’t just apply to people with disabilities - all users will have different needs at different times and in different circumstances.

This could be affected by everything from their:

• Location – e.g. access to high speed wifi
• Health – e.g. they may be tired or have a broken limb
• Equipment – e.g. they could be on a mobile phone or using an older browser

It is important to consider the needs of our audience when you are writing and designing any documents.

The design templates in our Brand Centre will support you to create simple and clear communications that adhere to national NHS brand guidelines and are accessible for as wide an audience as possible.

When selecting a template, you must read the guidance on Designing Patient Information. This will ensure you are selecting the right template or document format for the purpose of the document and how or where it will be used. E.g. If you are designing a patient information leaflet to be shared on any of our Trust websites, this format would not be suitable, and an alternative format would be required.  

These templates are not about limiting creativity, they are designed to uphold and protect the national NHS brand and to minimise the need for information to be produced in alternative formats.

The NHS Identity is the visual representation of the NHS values and the standards that patients can expect.

Our visual identity is based on the NHS national identity ensuring that we are upholding the accessibility standards expected of NHS organisations.

Choices we made as part of our brand toolkit, such as colours and fonts, were not simply aesthetic decisions; they’re important to usability.

By using the templates and tools available on our brand centre you can ensure your designs are accessible to a wide range of readers.

Members of staff can visit the intranet for further information, procedures and guidance.