Margaret Forrest, Procedural and Document and Leaflet Co-ordinator, Non Executive Director Mark Cullinan and volunteer reader David Bradbury.
BLACKPOOL Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been certified as a provider of high quality health care information after achieving a national quality standard award.
The Trust has been awarded the Information Standard quality mark which can be displayed on literature and the Trust website to demonstrate to the public that their information is safe and reliable.
The Information Standard is an accreditation programme available to all organisations producing evidence-based health and care information for the public.
Any organisation achieving The Information Standard has undergone a rigorous assessment to check that the information they produce is clear, accurate, balanced, evidence-based and up-to-date.
Head of Corporate Assurance for the Trust, Matthew Burrow, said: “It is essential that our patients get accurate written information about their condition, operation and procedure in a format they can understand.
“This accreditation is important to us as it shows we have demonstrated we have the necessary processes and systems in place to ensure all patient information we publish meets the rigorous criteria of The Information Standard.
“Our leaflets are important for carers and families as the information we provide keeps them better informed helping to allay any fears or concerns they may have.”
The hospital is helped by a team of volunteers who proof read all Trust patient information leaflets and booklets.
Matthew added: “We are extremely grateful to our panel of readers who highlight any mistakes in spelling or grammar, but also highlight words or phrases that may not be easily understood by the general public.’’