October is Health Literacy Month – a brilliant opportunity to explore what health literacy really means and how we can all play a part in improving it. Health literacy is about making sure everyone can understand health information, whether it’s spoken or written. When we use everyday words and clear writing, we help people make informed choices about their health.
Whether you’re just starting to think about health literacy or already leading the way, this month is the perfect time to get involved, share your work, and inspire others.
Health literacy tip 1
When speaking to a patient or member of the public, use this phrase to check understanding:
“We’ve discussed a lot today. There’s a lot to take in. Would you mind just telling me what you might go home and tell your partner, friend or family member?”
Health literacy tip 2
Bookmark the NHS Medical Document Readability tool website and use it when you’re writing. NHS Document Readability Tool
Health literacy tip 3
Make sure readability statistics are turned on in Word https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/get-your-document-s-readability-and-level-statistics-85b4969e-e80a-4777-8dd3-f7fc3c8b3fd2#ID0EBDD=Microsoft_365
Health literacy tip 4
Check out the % of people affected by low health literacy in your area:
https://healthliteracy.geodata.uk/
Health literacy tip 5
When writing dates, include the day of the week if it’s helpful. For example, for an appointment or an event, write the date like this: Wednesday 6 August 2025.
Health literacy tip 6
Don’t assume that everyone can read or understand. Save people the embarrassment of having to ask for help. Offer help to fill in forms or read information.
Health literacy tip 7
You can’t tell someone’s health literacy level by looking at them. So, treat everyone as though they have a low one. Speak simply and clearly, using everyday language. Don’t assume knowledge.
Health literacy tip 8
Break phone numbers down into groups of 3 or 4 numbers. Give the days and times phones are manned. For example:
Phone: 0161 248 6927
Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm
Health literacy tip 9
Make your emails more accessible. Use a simple font like Arial or Calibri. Set text to size 12. Use a dark colour like dark blue or purple – not black. Change these in your email settings so you don’t have to change them for every individual email.
Health literacy tip 10
Do not use the word “clinician”. We’ve found out that many patients do not know what a clinician is.
Instead, you could use “a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional”, for example.
For more guidance, check out https://service-manual.nhs.uk/content/a-to-z-of-nhs-health-writing
