§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health by what means his Department makes available its publications in(a) Braille, (b) audio tape and (c) large print; and how this is publicised. [1671]
§ Mr. BoatengPublications for those with special needs, including people who are sensorily impaired, are generally distributed through agencies that have regular contact with such people. The Department sends mail shot samples and bulk orders on demand to these specialist agencies.
This is backed up by distributions via public libraries, Citizen's Advice Bureaux and other advice centres, local authorities and patient waiting areas in family doctor surgeries and hospitals.
Where an advertising campaign is associated with the topic concerned, the special versions of a publication may be offered through press advertisements. The publications are also available via the Department's literature response lines.
The Department is in the process of building its own direct mail database which will allow precise targeting of agencies and individuals who will act as channels through which this kind of information can be passed to the end user.
The Department's Internet site is being used increasingly to publicise the existence of its publications, including those for people 7with special needs, and additional publicity routes, such as public information kiosks, are currently being investigated.
Examples of the types of publication available are given in the following list:
TITLE/TYPE OF PUBLICATION
- Braille
- Patient's Charter (also available in audio cassette version)
- Practical Guide for Disabled People (HB6)
- NHS Reforms and You (also available in Moon and audio cassette versions)
- NHS Complaints—Listening, Asking, Improving
- Maternity Services—Patient Charter
- How to get the best from Maternity Services
- While You Are Pregnant—Safe Eating
- Audio cassette
- Health of the Nation
- How to get the best from Maternity Services
- While you Are Pregnant—Safe Eating
- Keep Well Keep Warm
- Practical Guide for Disabled People (HB6)
- NHS Complaints—Listening, Asking, Improving
172 - Large print
- Keep Warm Keep Well (also available in audio cassette version)
- Practical Guide for Disabled People (HB6)
- Health and Well-Being: A Guide for Older People
- NHS Complaints—Listening, Asking, Improving
- While You Are Pregnant—Safe Eating