LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
All public sector organisations , including GP Practices, need to ensure that their websites meet government requirements on accessibility as set out in the 2018 Regulations for website and mobile applications.
These Regulations are based on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines These are known as WCAG2.1. There are four principles:
There are some things that you may not need to fix because they are exempt from the Regulations. You will not need to fix any third party content. An example of this would be NHS widgets. Address details should be given so that reliance is not solely on maps.
PDF documents published before 23 September 2018 are exempt - unless they are needed to use a service (eg patient registration form). Live audio and video as well as pre-recorded video before 23 September 2020 are also matters that need not be fixed.
The Government Accessibilty Guidance will help your team understand why they need to meet the website and mobile app accessibility regulations. Accessibility Regulations are also explained in other gov.uk campaigns - Making On-line Public services accessible .
The Practice is legally responsible for ensuring that its website meets the accessibility requirements - even if this is delegated to a supplier.
The process of compliance involves conducting an audit. This can take a significant amount of time and be extremely costly - even before any remediation work is carried out. The government suggests that fees in the range of £1300 to £4000.
It is important to publish an accessibility statement which should be regularly reviewed. This should include contact information should a patient meet problems accessing content of the website. If requested, the practice should be willing to provide information in an alternative format that is accessible.
PDF documents published before 23 September 2018 are exempt - unless they are needed to use a service (eg patient registration form). Live audio and video as well as pre-recorded video before 23 September 2020 are also matters that need not be fixed.
Ideally, practices will work with their website provider to work towards an accessibility solution.
ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTION OPTION 1
One option would be to embark on a full manual website accessibility project. Depending on the size of the website, this would initially cost several thousand pounds - and also involve on-going work and costs to manually keep the site up to date. We do not recommend this option.
GP-X ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTION OPTION 2
The second option is to deploy an auto-widget on the website that provides a high level of remediation against WCAG 2.1 standards. This is a simple solution that has been made possible by the development of AI and other innovations. We also carry out regular tasks to ensure that the content works with the AI platform.
GP-X is a partner with global suppliers Accessibe and we can offer a variety of solutions that meets individual practice needs. Our partnership allows us to directly pass on our bulk discounts directly to the practice through affordable monthly subscription plans.
Our Website plus Accessibility Compliance Package includes daily accessibility scans. monthly audits and compliance certification.
Existing GP-X practices will have already been contacted regarding the various accessibility packages and new clients will be able to discuss their needs with us upon ordering a new website.
With our partners Accessibe, we are working to make the internet accessible for all. It is estimated that 20% of people have some form of disability. As website producers for the NHS, we are passionate about compliance and we strive to make websites compliant, not just to meet compliance standards - but because is is the right thing to do.
To assist with smooth transfer from existing GP Surgery website supplier, the first three months subscription to GP-X practice websites is FREE.
"Brilliant website. Content rich - but not cluttered or confusing. It works perfectly for us and updates are normally completed within the hour! Our clinicians refer patients to the site due to the extensive information available on long terms conditions. We also like the fact that the site is constantly updated with new material. "
GP Practice Manager
"The easy navigation is really good and we particularly like the accessibility options for disabled patients. We have had brilliant service for many years and the designs are always up to date with fantastic response times for updates"
GP Practice Manager
November 2020
"We are delighted with our website which we feel is exceptionally effective in conveying key practice information to patients. The self help material and advice is extremely helpful . "
GP Practice Manager
March 2020
"Patients have complimented the practice on our website which is very easy to use - especially for patients with disabilities. Updates are completed on the same day and the site is constantly kept up to date."
GP Practice Manager
June 2020
