This section explains how we ensure that NHS Choices is usable and accessible to all users. The website follows the Central Office of Information guidelines for UK government websites. This includes meeting or surpassing the W3C's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0, level AA. However, we are aiming to comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, level AA in the future.
This accessibility statement applies only to the NHS Choices website. It does not cover:
- other websites operated by or for the NHS or the Department of Health
- other government and agency websites
- any other site that we link to from this website
Help with accessibility
NHS Choices has a close partnership with AbilityNet, a national charity that helps disabled adults and children to use computers and the internet. Our Help with accessibility guide provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions on how to adjust your computer and browser according to your needs, such as for sight or hearing problems. This includes information such as how to make the text larger in different browsers, change your keyboard or mouse settings, or increase colour contrast.
Access keys and shortcuts for NHS Choices
NHS Choices uses the UK government access keys standard for websites. Access keys are keyboard shortcuts that allow you to go directly to specific parts of this site. They are very useful for anyone who does not use a pointing device, such as a mouse. The NHS Choices access keys are:
- Alt + N (skip to main navigation)
- Alt + S (skip navigation)
- Alt + 0 (access keys information)
- Alt + 1 (homepage)
- Alt + 3 (site map)
- Alt + 4 (search)
- Alt + 8 (terms and conditions)
- Alt + 9 (contact us)
Note: access keys work slightly differently depending on the browser and computer that is used. Please visit the Using your keyboard instead of your mouse section to find more information for your system.
Supported assistive software
NHS Choices conforms to web standards for accessibility (see statement above) and should be compatible with all standard assistive software, including the screen readers NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) and JAWS, as well as Browsealoud, which this site is also compatible with.