Accessibility

Technical information about this website's accessibility

In conjunction with our provider, we are committed to making this website accessible in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

This website aims to reach Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard and where possible exceed this to AAA standard. This website is partially compliant with the standards due to the non-compliances listed below.

Issues with technology

The vast majority of our website works correctly on any web technology but due to some security protocols this means that some older browsers will not show the site correctly.

We advise users to use the following browsers:

• Google Chrome (versions in support)
• Mozilla Firefox (versions in support)
• Microsoft Edge (versions in support)
• Apple Safari (versions in support)

At present we do not scan our site for issues as the cost and effort of maintaining our content would be a disproportionate burden and as such rely on our page owners and editors to keep their content up to date; many of which are health care professionals.

Issues with Portable Document Format (PDF) and other office documents

Our site contains a large number of PDFs, especially those in our documents and policies section and board papers.

Not all PDFs and office documents comply with Web Content Accessibility Standards (WCAS). If you need documents in another format or require any assistance please contact the service or department directly or our Patient and Liaison Service (PALS).

We do not intend to recreate them in accessible versions as this would be a disproportionate burden.

We do not currently have the ability to convert documents to more accessible versions, and as such, some remain in active use until we can convert into accessible web formats.

Where we do add new pdf documents they are mainly:

• PDFs used as downloads for reports or publications,
• our annual reports and accounts,
• our privacy notices,
• downloads intended for print purposes, such as posters and referral documents.

The Microsoft Edge Browser has built-in ‘Learning tools’ which includes Immersive Reader options such as the 'Read aloud' function. You can also access the 'Read aloud' function directly using "Ctrl-shift-U" on the keyboard.

Website translation software

Users are advised to use browser translation services or add-ons which activate depending on you language preferences.

If you require assistance translating any of the material on our site (e.g. leaflets, newsletters, documents), please contact our Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS).

Reporting accessibility problems

We're always looking to improve the accessibility of the website.

If you find any problems which aren't listed on this page, or think that we're not meeting the requirements of the accessibility regulations then please complete the website feedback form to let us know.

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the accessibility regulations. If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).