Reader Panel

Reader Panel

Our reader panel reviews patient / public focussed information prior to publication and distribution. 

Made up of nearly 30 local people,  the panel provide a view on whether information is easy to understand, accessible and free from jargon.  This helps us to make sure that any information is clear to the people who receive it.

What difference does it make?

Our panel has reviewed some patient information on medicine shortages, stockpiling and over the counter medication.  The following changes were made as a result of their input:

• Change of wording from community pharmacist/pharmacy to local chemist

• Removing some information as not appropriate / relevant

• Correcting typos and grammar

• Increasing font size to make it easier to read

• Changing  the layout so key messages were more obvious and had more impact on the reader

The panel and patient representatives have also helped us to review and refresh our website, helping to ensure that it is accessible, easy to navigate and has useful patient information and links.

This is in addition to helping with the development of a hospital discharge booklet, patient medication and change of service provider letters, national diabetes prevention programme information and service leaflets and many other patient facing information.

We are always looking for new panel members who can give as much or as little time as they wish – if you are interested please contact Heather.aylward@nhs.net

Writing and style guide

As an organisation we follow and promote a writing guide, to ensure that all our information is easily understandable, jargon free and in plain English. To view our guide, click here.

 

Co-design of cancer two week wait information leaflet

On Tuesday 24 September 2019 we held a session to co-design information to be given out by GPs in west Hertfordshire when referring patients through the two week wait/suspected cancer appointment system.  The session was facilitated by Kathryn Cremins, Macmillan Practice Nurse Lead and included patients living with cancer, carers, members of the public and health professionals. 

The information was amended as a result of discussions, full details are here.

The final document is here