Accessibility

This accessibility statement applies to the NHS inform website. It explains how accessible this site is, what to do if you have difficulty using it, and how to report accessibility problems.

The website is run by NHS 24.

Using the website

We are continuously working to make NHS inform (nhsinform.scot) accessible. We want to ensure that everyone who visits the website can find the information they are looking for.

We try to make our site easy to use and accessible by including:

  • alternative text
  • subtitles for media content (where appropriate)
  • easier-to-read colours

We also use plain English in website text to make information as easy as possible to understand.

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

ReachDeck

This website uses ReachDeck, a free tool that can be used to read and listen to information from your browser on any device.

The ReachDeck tool allows you to:

  • convert selected text into an MP3
  • read selected pages or highlighted text out loud
  • display pictures related to the text selected on a page
  • block distractions on screen with a tinted mask
  • enlarge text as it’s read out loud
  • remove clutter from the screen, displaying only the main text

To use the tool:

  • click the ReachDeck button at the top of the page
    select a tool from the toolbar
  • highlight, or click, any text to hear it read aloud

If you have trouble using or accessing the ReachDeck tool:

  • phone 028 9442 810
  • email info@texthelp.com

How accessible this website is

We have identified some accessibility issues within the website.

Known issues include:

  • some interactive tools are difficult to use with a keyboard or screen reader software, including some self-help guides
  • some buttons on the site have no accessible titles so it’s difficult for screen users to learn what these controls do
  • you cannot modify the line height or spacing of text
  • data tables can be difficult for screen readers to use
  • some voice overs of images do not provide a useful image description
  • most PDF documents are not fully accessible to screen reader software

Feedback and contact information

We are always looking for ways to improve the accessibility of NHS inform. If you cannot access a particular part of the site or want to report an accessibility problem please contact our health information team.

You can also contact us to request health information in a different language or format.

Please contact us at:

  • email: nhs.inform@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk

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 (the ‘accessibility regulations’).

If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

Technical information about this website’s accessibility

NHS 24 is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

Compliance Status

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.

  • The ReachDeck icon has no alternative text. This fails WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text content.
  • Some images and graphics have no alternative text. This fails WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text content.
  • Some labels are not associated with text input and other form fields. This fails WCAG 1.3.1 Info and relationship.
  • Some pages have tabs that miss the required role. This fails WCAG 1.3.1 Info and relationship.
  • Some lists are not structured correctly within search and the SSD. This fails WCAG 1.3.1 Info and relationship.
  • Some heading levels don’t always represent the page structure. This fails WCAG 1.3.1 Info and relationship.
  • Some PDF’s are untagged. This fails WCAG 1.3.1 Info and relationship.
  • Some forms do not use the autocomplete value. This fails WCAG 1.3.5 Identify input purpose.
  • Some links are only distinguishable by colour. This fails WCAG 1.4.1 Use of colour.
  • Some link colour contrasts are not sufficient. This fails WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast (minimum).
  • Some focus styling fails colour contrast requirements on pages and form fields. This fails WCAG 1.4.11 Non-text contrast.
  • Some checkboxes and modal buttons are not keyboard operable. This fails WCAG 2.1.1 Keyboard.
  • The SSD “Refine your search” button is not keyboard accessible at 200% zoom. This fails WCAG 2.1.1 Keyboard.
  • Some form fields trap focus. This fails WCAG 2.1.1 Keyboard.
  • Programmatic focus is not managed and focus in modal is not contained on some pages. This fails WCAG 2.4.3 Focus order.
  • Some link purposes are unclear. This fails WCAG 2.4.4 Link purpose (in context).
  • Some pagination labelling leaves room for ambiguity. This fails WCAG 2.4.6 Headings and labels.
  • Some toggle button groups have no visible focus indicator. This fails WCAG 2.4.7 Focus visible.
  • Some visual and programmatic labels don’t match. This fails WCAG 2.5.3 Label in name.
  • Some form field elements use unsupported ARIA attributes. This fails WCAG 4.1.2 Name, role, value.
  • Some search icon buttons have no name. This fails WCAG 4.1.2 Name, role, value.
  • Some search components use aria-hidden on interactive elements. This fails WCAG 4.1.2 Name, role, value.
  • Some buttons use invalid aria attributes. This fails WCAG 4.1.2 Name, role, value.
  • Some iframes have no name. This fails WCAG 4.1.2 Name, role, value.
  • Some checkboxes have an unclear role and value. This fails WCAG 4.1.2 Name, role, value.
  • When clicking ‘Add this page’ to ‘Info for me’ the value does not update. This fails WCAG 4.1.3 Status messages.
  • Some pages using tools or search results do not communicate updated results. This fails WCAG 4.1.3 Status messages.
  • Some error messages do not have appropriate suggestions for correction of an input error. This fails WCAG 3.3.3 error suggestion.

Content that’s not within the scope of the accessibility regulations

PDFs and other documents

The accessibility regulations do not require us to fix PDFs or other documents published before 23 September 2018 if they are not essential to providing our services.

Where documents are updated and new PDF documents published, they will meet accessibility standards.

What we’re doing to improve accessibility

At NHS 24, creating an accessible service is a team effort. We want our teams to make accessible services by:

  • considering accessibility at the start of their project, and throughout
  • making accessibility the whole team’s responsibility
  • carrying out regular accessibility audits and testing
  • fix or replace non-compliant PDFs with accessible HTML pages

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 11 February 2026. It was last reviewed on 12 February 2026.

This website was last tested on 29 February 2024.

During this site quality report, 16 pages were checked. To measure accessibility, pages were evaluated against all level AA success criteria of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1.

This website’s accessibility will be reviewed on a regular basis. We will update this accessibility statement with any relevant changes.

Last updated:
12 February 2026