All providers of NHS Care have a legal duty to ensure that information is accessible, that communication needs of patients and other service users are being met and they comply with the Accessible Information Standard (AIS). 

The AIS covers people who use a service and have information or communication needs because of a disability, impairment and or a sensory loss.

The Standard provides specific factors for consideration to ensure a consistent approach to meeting the information and communication support needs of patients and other service users.

The 2020 regulatory requirement means GP practices will need to have both:

1. a website or alternative online presence
2. an NHS.UK GP profile page

Both must be updated at least once a year, or sooner if key information changes. Practices are also encouraged to review all methods of patient communication including their practice website and NHS UK GP profile page to ensure the accessible information standards are being met. You can learn more about these requirements on NHS Futures.

Other useful sources of information can be found below:

• CQC – meeting the Accessible Information Standard
• NHS England – creating a highly usable an accessible GP website for patients
• GOV.UK – an introduction to making your service accessible
• GOV.UK – accessibility requirements for public sector websites and apps
• Royal National Institute of Blind People - Creating accessible information and communication resources for health and social care