Healthy Ireland and clear communications
The launch of the Healthy Ireland Framework Strategy document recognises that health literacy (of which plain English is a central tenet), is a key strategy towards achieving good health. The Framework mentions health literacy under the theme of Empowering People and Communities (Actions 3.1 and 3.8, pages 24-25).
This is exciting as it is the first formal policy recognition on the value of health literacy. This recognition is timely in light of the findings of the European Health Literacy Survey which showed that almost 40% of the Irish public have health literacy problems and that 17% of people don’t understand health information leaflets as they are too complex.
The value of plain English in increasing access to clear communications was also lauded at the Royal College of Surgeons Conferences on Day Surgery in Ireland last Friday (12 April).
Producing clearer health information in plain English, will also achieve greater efficiencies in the health care sector.
Our Plain English Editing and Training Service edits health literacy materials, trains health practitioners in the use of plain English and offers competitively priced health literacy audits of health care settings. If you are interested in any of these, please contact Claire at coiordan@nala.ie.
