Good care starts with good communication

At The Christie, we want everyone to feel informed, involved and respected. The Accessible Information Standard (AIS) is a law that makes sure people with disabilities, impairments or sensory loss can get information in a way they can easily understand.

To help us provide all of our patients with information that they understand, we have completed an Accessible Information Standard (AIS) Assessment [Word, 86 KB].

What does the AIS mean for you?

We will:

  • ask if you have any communication or information needs

  • record your needs clearly in your health record

  • put a flag on your record so staff can see your needs easily

  • share your needs with other NHS or social care services (with your permission)

  • act on your needs every time we communicate with you

Who does this apply to?

The AIS supports people who:

  • are blind or partially sighted

  • are deaf or hard of hearing

  • have a learning disability or speech/language difficulty

  • are neurodivergent (including those who have autism, ADHD or dyslexia)

  • have any other condition that affects how you process information

What support can you ask for?

You can request:

  • Easy Read or Plain English documents

  • written appointments summaries

  • visual aids or diagrams

  • large print, braille, audio formats

  • British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters

  • extra time during appointments

  • quiet spaces or reduced sensory environments

  • support from a carer or advocate (with your permission)

How do you tell us about your needs?

You can:

  • speak to a member of staff at any time

  • let us know when you book an appointment

  • ask a family member, carer or support worker to tell us on your behalf

What happens next?

We will:

  1. record your needs in your health record

  2. flag them so staff can see them easily

  3. share them (with your consent) with other services involved in your care

  4. act on them every time we communicate with you

You can update your needs at any time – just let us know.

Will staff understand how to support me?

Our staff are aware of the need to support with accessible communication needs, including neurodivergent individuals. We work with specialist services when needed.

Where can I find more information?

  • NHS England – Accessible Information Standard.

  • Charities such as Sense and RNIB offer helpful resources.

  • Contact your clinical team or receptionist for advice or to request documents in alternative formats (large print, braille, easy read, audio, or other languages).