Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 2 September 2024 to Question 2469 on Health Services: Disability, when he expects NHS England's review of the Accessible Information Standard to be published.

We understand how vital it is to ensure that the communication needs of patients and carers with a disability, impairment or sensory loss are met by health services. A revised AIS is being reviewed with a view to publication once it has been through NHS England’s internal assurance and governance processes. NHS England are also working on ensuring accessible versions are available at the point of publication.

While we do not yet have a confirmed publication date, the current AIS remains in force and therefore, there should not be a gap in provision for people using services. NHS England is also continuing to work to support implementation of the AIS with awareness raising, communication and engagement, and a review of the current e-learning modules on the AIS.