At Young Healthwatch, we recently had the opportunity to review the newly proposed HUC NHS 111 patient flyer, providing feedback on its design, content, and accessibility. Our goal was to ensure that the leaflet is engaging, informative, and easy to understand for our Young Healthwatch Volunteers (aged 13-25).

HUC information flyer HUC information flyer

Here are a few highlights from the Young Healthwatch Teams feedback and how this was taken forward by HUC.

Our suggestions included:

  1. Clarity & Detail

  • A tick/cross box system to clarify when to use NHS 111, e.g. dos and don’ts.
  • An overview of what to expect when a patient calls NHS111

  1. Design & Layout

  • Increasing the font size for better readability, with key points in bold.
  • Changing one of the images to be more representative the service

  1. Accessibility

  • Differentiating the accessibility section from the rest of the text for clarity.

Positives & Strengths

Despite the areas for improvement, we found many aspects of the leaflet effective:

  • Visual Appeal:
    • Most images were engaging and well-received
  • Content & Readability:
    • The leaflet was simple, clear, and easy to understand.
    • The amount of information was appropriate.
    • Highlights were effectively used to emphasise key points.
    • It was straightforward and young-adult friendly.

Reflection on the Process

Reviewing the NHS 111 patient flyer was an insightful and collaborative experience. It allowed us to critically analyse the leaflet from multiple perspectives, ensuring that it meets the needs of young people. Through engaging discussions and structured feedback, we identified areas that required improvement and proposed practical solutions.

This process reinforced the importance of clarity, accessibility, and user-friendly design in healthcare communication. It also highlighted the value of diverse input, as different viewpoints contributed to a more comprehensive review. Moving forward, we recognise the need for ongoing engagement with stakeholders to refine health materials and make them as effective as possible.

The opportunity to contribute to this project has been rewarding, and we are excited to see the final version of the leaflet incorporating our recommendations.

HUC Response

We had the pleasure of working with the Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire Young People Team, who reviewed our HUC patient-facing leaflet and provided invaluable feedback. Their insights were instrumental in refining the design, ensuring it is both engaging and informative for patients. This collaborative approach is something we will continue to embrace, helping to ensure our materials are shaped by those who use them.

We truly appreciate their time and expertise and look forward to collaborating again in the future!

Thank you, Young Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire!

Lara Galliford

Relationship Business Partner

https://hucweb.co.uk/

You can view the information leaflet here.