NHS mandatory standards made clear

NHS England providers have been reminded to follow new mandatory standards of communication and for patients with sight loss.

The introduction of new standards mean NHS providers are mandated to provide blind and partially sighted patients with appointment reminders, letters and test results in accessible formats such as email or large print.

Fazilet Hadi, director of engagement at RNIB, said: ‘All organisations that provide NHS or adult social care, including GPs, hospitals and pharmacies need to comply with the new mandatory standard. They must ensure people with sight loss are asked about their communication needs and any information must be provided in their preferred accessible format.’