About this accessibility statement

This accessibility statement applies to websites hosted by Primary Care Online for our client GP practices and health organisations.

We want as many people as possible to be able to use these websites. For example, you should be able to:

  • change colours, contrast levels and fonts
  • zoom in up to 300% without the text spilling off the screen
  • navigate most of the website using just a keyboard
  • navigate most of the website using speech recognition software
  • listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including current versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver)

We also try to use clear, simple language throughout.

AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

Website Accessibility Policy

We are committed to making our websites as accessible as possible for all users, including people who are deaf, hard of hearing, visually impaired, or who use assistive technologies.

Using built-in accessibility tools

All modern web browsers and devices include accessibility features that help make websites easier to use. We recommend that patients use these built-in options, which work across all websites they visit, not just this one.

  • Google Chrome – offers text-to-speech via extensions, zoom and font adjustment in Settings > Accessibility, and live captioning for videos.
  • Microsoft Edge – includes a Read Aloud feature, Immersive Reader mode for simplified text, and supports high contrast and text spacing options.
  • Apple Safari (Mac or iOS) – provides Reader View for simplified pages, voice narration with VoiceOver, and text-size adjustment in Accessibility settings.
  • Mozilla Firefox – includes a Reader View option, zoom controls, dark mode, and works well with most screen readers.

These tools allow users to listen to content, increase text size, adjust colour contrast, or view pages in a simplified format. Instructions for enabling these features can usually be found under the browser’s Settings or Accessibility menu.

British Sign Language (BSL) and Easy Read support

We fully recognise the value of providing website content in British Sign Language (BSL) or Easy Read formats. Specialist third-party systems can deliver these services, but they currently come with very high costs that make them unaffordable for most GP surgeries.

For example, these solutions often require monthly subscriptions or annual licensing that can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds per year to maintain. For small NHS practices operating within fixed budgets, these costs are unfortunately not sustainable at present.

We would very much like to offer these options in the future, but until these third-party systems become more affordable and fair in price, we will continue to rely on the accessibility features already available through browsers and devices.

Alternative ways to access information

If you have difficulty accessing any part of our website, please contact the practice. We can provide information in alternative formats where possible — for example, printed copies, large text, or verbal explanations during appointments.

Feedback and support

We welcome feedback on how we can improve the accessibility of our website. If you encounter any problems using the site or need information in a different format, please get in touch with the practice reception team.

Compliance status

Our websites are designed to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standard. They are partially compliant with WCAG 2.2 AA due to the non-compliances and exemptions listed below.

Non-accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

  • Some older PDF documents may not be fully accessible to screen reader software (for example, missing tags or reading order). We are replacing or remediating these as they are updated or requested.

Disproportionate burden

Not applicable at this time.

Content that’s not within the scope of the regulations

  • Third-party content that is not funded, developed by, or under the control of the surgery (for example, embedded maps, videos or widgets provided by other suppliers).
  • Documents published before 23 September 2018 that are not essential to providing our services.

Known issues we’re fixing

  • Auditing legacy PDFs and replacing key patient-facing content with accessible HTML pages where possible.
  • Ongoing checks for heading order, link purpose and form labels as content is added or edited.

If you find an accessibility issue that isn’t listed here, please tell us using the contact details below.

Feedback and contact information

If you need information on this website in a different format (for example accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille), or you encounter an accessibility problem, contact:

Email: [email protected]

We aim to respond within 10 working days.

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018. If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, please contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS). If you are based in Northern Ireland, please contact the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI).

Technical information about this website’s accessibility

Primary Care Online is committed to making its client websites accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

These websites are partially compliant with WCAG 2.2 AA, due to the non-compliances listed above.

Some sites may include an accessibility assistance tool (for example, UserWay). These tools can help many users but are not a substitute for conformant code and content. We continue to build accessibility into our templates and publishing processes.

What we’re doing to improve accessibility

  • Regular audits against WCAG 2.2 AA for core templates and components.
  • Editor guidance and checks for headings, alt text, link purpose and table usage.
  • Replacing critical PDFs with accessible HTML content where practical.
  • Reviewing third-party embeds for keyboard and screen-reader support.

Preparation and review dates

This statement was prepared on 22.10.2025. It will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if significant changes are made to the website.