NHS outlines new digital accessibility requirements

In early 2024, NHS UK had updated their service manual to meet WCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) requirements.

There is less than a month to go until the Government Digital Service, Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England begin monitoring accessibility across their websites and apps.

They have tasked each Product & Delivery Manager to ensure digital services are accessible.

It's becoming increasingly becoming a critical aspect of the healthcare industry. 

In an environment where both patients and front-facing staff rely heavily on digital tools for communication, record-keeping, and service delivery, ensuring that these tools are accessible to everyone is vital. 

Accessibility is more than just following rules. It means catering to everyone and creating a workplace that helps all employees, no matter their abilities. 

Why is Digital Accessibility so Important in Healthcare? 

For patients, digital accessibility means they can easily use online health portals. This includes scheduling appointments, accessing medical records, and communicating with healthcare providers. 

Imagine a patient with a visual impairment trying to navigate an inaccessible website to book an appointment. 

For front-facing staff, it ensures that all employees can efficiently perform their job duties. 

Inaccessible systems can prevent staff members with disabilities from accessing important tools and resources, leading to decreased productivity and job satisfaction. 

By prioritising digital accessibility, healthcare providers can create an inclusive environment that supports all staff members, leading to better overall service delivery. 

Digital accessibility is not just a nice-to-have in healthcare - it's essential. It ensures all patients receive the care they need without unnecessary obstacles and that all staff members can contribute effectively to the healthcare team. 

Key Criteria of the WCAG 2.2

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 is a set of recommendations that helps web developers make content more accessible to a wider range of people with disabilities. 

The organisation of these guidelines follows four principles:

1. (P) Perceivable

2. (O) Operable

3. (U) Understandable

4. (R) Robust

Each principle divides further into testable success criteria. 

Perceivable 

This principle ensures that information and user interface components are presented in ways that users can perceive. This includes providing text alternatives for non-text content, ensuring that content is adaptable and distinguishable, and making multimedia content accessible. 

Operable 

Content under this principle must be operable by all users. This involves making all functionalities available from a keyboard, giving users enough time to read and use content, and avoiding content that causes seizures. It also includes providing ways to help them navigate and find content easily. 

Understandable 

Web content must be understandable to all users. This includes making text readable and predictable, ensuring that web pages appear and operate in predictable ways, and helping users avoid and correct mistakes. 

Robust 

Content must remain robust enough for a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies, to understand it. This means that content should be compatible with current and future user tools and technologies.   

What is a Level AA Grade in WCAG? 

Achieving a Level AA grade in web accessibility means that your website meets the more demanding criteria of WCAG 2.2. 

Level AA focuses on the biggest and most common barriers for disabled users, such as ensuring that colour contrast is sufficient for users with visual impairments, and that navigation is intuitive for users with cognitive disabilities. 

They must also avoid using images of text, except in cases where it is absolutely necessary. 

By achieving a Level AA grade, businesses demonstrate a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. 

How to Identify and Detect WCAG 2.2 Issues on a Website 

Detecting WCAG 2.2 issues on a website requires a combination of automated tools and manual testing. 

Automated tools can quickly scan a website. They can identify common issues, such as missing alt text or insufficient colour contrast. 

Popular tools include:

1. WAVE

2. Axe

3. Lighthouse

Each tool provides detailed reports on areas that need improvement. 

However, automated tools can only catch about 30-40% of issues.

Manual testing is key to identify difficult issues that require human judgment. Examples include the logical order of content and the usability of forms. 

This means using tools like screen readers to explore the website. It also checks how well the website helps users with different disabilities. 

Regular audits combining both automated and manual testing are essential to maintain and improve digital accessibility on your website. 

What is an Accessibility Statement and Why Do You Need One? 

In the NHS's service manual, they stated: "All websites must have an accessibility statement, in line with with accessibility regulations."

An accessibility statement explains the rules your website follows. It shows what steps you took to meet these rules and informs users how to reach you if they have problems with accessibility.

You should prominently display it on your website, typically in the footer, so all users can easily access it. 

Creating an accessibility statement involves several key steps: 

Assess Your Current Accessibility Status

Begin by reviewing your website to find parts that follow WCAG 2.2 guidelines and those that require enhancements. 

Draft the Statement 

It should include the following elements: 

1. A clear statement of commitment to accessibility. 

2. An outline of the accessibility standards you are following (e.g., WCAG 2.2 Level AA). 

3. Details on the accessibility features of your website. 

4. Information on how users can contact you with questions or issues. 

5. An acknowledgment of ongoing efforts to improve accessibility. 

Review and Update Regularly 

Accessibility is an continual process. Regularly review and update your statement to reflect any changes or improvements made to your website. 

Having a comprehensive and well-publicised accessibility statement not only helps users understand your commitment to accessibility but also demonstrates that you are proactive in addressing accessibility challenges. 

How to Prepare for WCAG 3.0 and the European Accessibility Act 2025 

As standards evolve, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve.

Experts expect WCAG 3.0 to bring significant changes. Those include more flexible guidelines and a holistic approach to measuring accessibility. 

It will focus on ensuring accessibility across a wide range of devices and environments, making it essential for organisations to start preparing now. 

In 2025, the EAA requires all digital products and services in the EU to meet strict accessibility standards. 

Non-compliance could result in significant fines and legal action. 

To prepare your business, start with: 

• Conducting a thorough accessibility audit:

  Ensure that your current digital offerings meet WCAG 2.2 standards as a baseline. Maybe start with a content checklist to help identify the key areas of inaccessible content.

• Staying informed on WCAG 3.0 developments:

  Follow updates from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and participate in webinars and training sessions to stay informed. 

• Engaging with experts:

  Consider hiring or consulting with experts who can help you navigate the complexities of WCAG 3.0 and the European Accessibility Act. 

By taking these proactive steps, you can future-proof your business and ensure compliance with upcoming regulations. 

Key Takeaways from the NHS' move to WCAG 2.2 Compliance

Digital accessibility is essential for ensuring that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and interact with online content effectively. 

• In the healthcare sector, it is particularly critical for both patients and staff. 

• Businesses need to follow WCAG 2.2 guidelines to achieve Level AA.

• Prepare for future standards like WCAG 3.0 and the European Accessibility Act to help improve accessibility for everyone. 

Stay tuned for our upcoming Digital Accessibility Whitepaper

96.3% of home pages are inaccessible to users with disabilities. This isn't just another statistic — it's a wake-up call.

Our upcoming whitepaper, 'Rethinking Accessibility: Transcending compliance for an inclusive digital experience' is packed with insights and strategies to help businesses close the accessibility gap and future-proof their business.

Don’t miss the opportunity to make your ecommerce platform accessible to everyone because inclusivity is the key to sustainable growth.