NHS England has finally released an updated Accessible Information Standard (AIS). This includes a sixth step – review. This means healthcare providers should regularly monitor the needs of patients and ensure records are up to date. This puts the emphasis on the NHS to make sure they are providing the right communication, rather than the patient having to constantly remind staff that they are deaf. Every region will also be required to have a dedicated staff member focused on implementing the AIS. We are pleased to see that the documents have also been published in BSL.
This follows the NHS announcement in early July 2025 of a Single Patient Record – where every patient will have one record for all their medical information and communication. This should mean that access is more embedded in the system and BSL interpreters or other communication needs should be provided more consistently at NHS appointments.
We hope these changes will improve NHS accountability and reduce health inequalities for deaf people. We also know our poor experiences of healthcare will not change overnight. There is a long way to go, but this is a step in the right direction. We will continue to hold the NHS to account and campaign to remove barriers to healthcare for deaf people.
View AIS materials in accessible formats (including BSL)
