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Readers’ Panel

Do you think you could help us improve the information that we publish so that it is more accessible to our residents?

Mid and south Essex Integrated Care System (MSE ICS) is committed too engaging with, listening to and learning from our patients and carers.  One of the ways we do this is through our Readers’ Panel which helps us to ensure that our publications and information is easy to understand. 

In mid and south Essex there are many people with different communication needs, those who have sensory needs or where English isn’t their first language. By gathering views from local residents, patients and carers, we can ensure everything that we publish meets the needs of local residents. 

I feel it is crucial that all NHS information handed out is as clear, straightforward, simply worded and unambiguous as possible, and I am pleased to contribute to achieving this aim.

Vivian Giddings, Readers’ Panel member 

The Readers’ Panel requires no previous knowledge, all we will be looking for is your views on the content, language, layout and structure, to improve the understanding of our information. 

As some publications may take longer to read then others, we will always ensure that members of our Readers’ Panel have plenty of time to respond.   

The sort of things we are talking about could include: 

  • Letters 
  • Policies, plans and strategies 
  • Guidance and patient information 
  • Information on our website 

How can I get involved?

If you are interested in becoming a Readers’ Panel member or would like to know more then please contact our Engagement Team on: mseics.getinvolved@nhs.net

You can also call our main office in Basildon on 01268 594 350

The NHS provides valuable information to patients and carers alike and the readers’ panel supports this essential service by checking texts for accuracy, clarity and readability. It is so important that individuals can access key medical detail and the Readers’ Panel ensures that everything written can be clearly understood.

Jane Murphy, Readers’ Panel member 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Readers’ Panel?

A Readers’ Panel is a group of volunteers who look at and review our publications, such as reports, leaflets or pages on our website before they are published. All the information you provide will be kept completely confidential and will be held securely in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. Your data will never be shared with anyone else other than within Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System.

How will it work?

Volunteers on the Readers’ Panel will be sent draft publications and will be asked to comment on legibility and how easy they are to understand. Some questions too bear in mind include:

  • Does it make sense?
  • Is the presentation clear?
  • Does it meet its intended purpose?
  • Did you find it helpful?
  • How could it be improved?

We will also welcome any input into the content and style of our publications.

How do the publications get to me?

It is much quicker and cheaper for us to send the information to you by email but we can send it by post. A FREEPOST envelope will be provided for you to return your comments. We want to ensure that we make it as easy as possible for our Readers’ Panel to contribute, we really do value everyone’s input.

How often will I receive publications to review?

We will try, where possible, to send no more than three publications per month.As some publications may take longer to read than others, we will ensure that you have plenty of time to respond. It is not expected that there will be publications to review every month.

What happens once I have commented on them?

Once you have made your comments, amendments and additions, you will need send them back to us. We will take into account your feedback and try and incorporate the comments, amendments or additions we receive. We will try and ensure that the Readers’ Panel sees the revised publications before they are published. Where this is not possible, we will ensure that the Readers’ Panel receives the final publication to see how important your input has been.

My role as a panel member helps enhance and evolve the qualities required to give great service to you, our customers’. We help facilitate and give feedback in new ideas and services to our customers, being you, the general public.

Dean Muslin, Readers’ Panel member .