13. What steps his Department is taking to provide information in a form accessible to blind, partially sighted and print-disabled people. (317483)

The Department of Health takes its responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 seriously, including helping people to access printed material. All Department of Health publications are published on our official website in the most accessible electronic format available with technology that can, for example, read aloud what is written. We also make publications available on request in Braille, audio, large print and other formats.

The DDA notwithstanding, it is still difficult for individuals to access their health information via accessible formats, and it is not always working on the ground. Does the Minister accept that health information can be very sensitive and that it is wrong that people who are sight impaired should have to depend on relatives, and sometimes strangers, to help them to access that information?

I totally agree. It is wrong for the NHS not to provide information in alternative or accessible formats for people who are blind or partially sighted. My hon. Friend will be pleased to know that the Department has issued guidance to every GP practice, primary care trust and strategic health authority to support service improvements. It will include guidance on improving the experiences of people with sight loss in receiving health care and advice.

Will the Minister consider the merits of transferring the money that is currently spent on translating documents into foreign languages to ensuring that more documents are translated into and are available in Braille? He will know that people can learn English, but that people who have no sight cannot just see instantaneously.

I understand the hon. Gentleman’s point. It is a challenge for all health care providers to ensure that such service users can access and use services by gaining access to written material. That is a matter for local decision making, but I hope that local providers will consider the needs of local populations and ensure that people from all communities can access the information that they need in a format that is suitable for them.