Patients, families and staff can now access NHS Lanarkshire’s patient information leaflets directly through its public website, making trusted healthcare information easier to find, use and share.
The move marks a significant step forward in improving accessibility, with dedicated webpages created for individual services and enhanced search functionality, helping users quickly locate the information they need.
Previously, patient information leaflets were stored on FirstPort, which was only accessible to NHS Lanarkshire staff. As a result, patients, carers, families and friends could not directly access important information relating to conditions, treatments, recovery and healthcare services.
By making leaflets publicly available online, NHS Lanarkshire is providing a central, accessible source of information that benefits both patients and staff.
Benefits for patients
- offers patients easier access to reliable healthcare information whenever they need it;
- improved navigation and search functions make it quicker and simpler to find relevant leaflets, reducing the need to request printed copies, unless preferred.
The changes also support greater health literacy by helping people better understand their health conditions, treatments and care.
Benefits for staff
- reduces the time spent searching for or sending patient information;
- healthcare professionals can now provide direct access to leaflets, ensuring patients receive up-to-date information quickly and easily.
The change is also expected to reduce printing costs and support more sustainable ways of sharing information.
Carol Hallesy, evidence manager (knowledge services, patient information and translations), said: “The change is part of the work carried out by our patient information team, medical illustration team and communications department to make patient information easier to find, use and share.”
“FirstPort had been the central store for all patient leaflets for many years, which could only be accessed by NHS Lanarkshire staff. This meant that patients, their families, friends and carers had no direct access to information about their condition, treatment, recovery or the service they were using. Having an accessible, central point where all leaflets are stored makes it so much easier for staff and patients alike.”
The process for developing a new leaflet or updating an existing one remains unchanged. Staff can continue to contact the patient information team by emailing patientinformation@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
To access all patient information leaflets visit: https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/patient-information-leaflets/
For more information, email patientinformation@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
