New technology introduced to improve access to health and care

Home » New technology introduced to improve access to health and care

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board has rolled out new technology across its websites to help make information about health and care services easier to access.

Following engagement with residents who have learning disabilities, visual impairments and speak English as a second language, the Integrated Care Board heard that information does not reach some communities because it is not translated, it is too small, or in a colour that people cannot read because of how they process information.

The new assistive technology, delivered by Recite Me, means that people can use an accessibility toolbar on the two websites run by the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Health and Care Partnership and the Integrated Care Board to customise information for them – opening up better access for all residents.

Felicity Cox, Chief Executive of BLMK Integrated Care Board, said:

“If we are to help people live longer lives in good health, it’s important they have access to information on how they can prevent disease and access local health and care services to support them.

“We hope that by responding to calls from residents to make information easier to access, we can reduce health inequalities and help people to take control of their health. I’m delighted we have added the new accessibility tool to provide a more inclusive experience.”

The new assistive toolbar provides

  • Translation of content into over 100 languages, including 65 text-to-speech languages.
  • Reading tools to help people who have dyslexia and who are visually impaired including a ruler, screen mask, magnifier, margins and dictionary.
  • A screen reader that reads aloud website text.
  • Styling options, including changing text, font style, size, colour and spacing.

Felicity Cox added:

“We are committed to making information on health accessible to everyone and we’re interested in receiving feedback on how this new tool is benefitting residents.  We are asking people to visit our two websites – the Health and Care Partnership and the Integrated Care Board – to try it out and let us know whether this is making a difference.”

Feedback can be shared via [email protected]

For more information about the accessibility toolbar, visit Recite Me.

View all news

Latest news and highlights

Case Study News

24 March 2023

Mentoring support helps young people in Milton Keynes to transform their lives

An innovative programme in Milton Keynes is supporting young people on a journey to a brighter and more hopeful future via tailored mentoring. The programme…

News

24 March 2023

‘Know your TB risk,’ local people are urged on World TB Day

People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been urged to think about their risk of developing tuberculosis as the international heath community marks World…

News

22 March 2023

Empowering Nurses: New leadership programme launches in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

A new leadership programme designed to empower nurses in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes launched today (22 March 2023). Thirty-eight nurses will be undertaking the programme, with the first session…

News

22 March 2023

Update on Primary Care in Leighton Buzzard

On 09 February 2023, representatives from Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) were pleased to attend the public meeting in Leighton Buzzard alongside representatives of Central…

News

20 March 2023

Bowel cancer screening: your next poo could save your life

Early diagnosis is vital to detecting bowel cancer: detecting it at the earliest stage makes you up to nine times more likely to be treated successfully. Now, an NHS campaign…

News

17 March 2023

Share for Care set to help provide residents with better, safer and…

Residents across Bedfordshire Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) will receive even better, safer and quicker care from local health and care organisations thanks to the rollout of Share for Care…