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FAQs and Help

Leaflets / posters

  • Do the NHS Identity guidelines apply to internal communications?

    Yes. The NHS Identity guidelines apply to both external and internal communications produced by NHS organisations.

  • Do primary care contractors have to use the NHS Identity?

    Whilst primary care contractors are not contractually required to use the NHS Identity, they are encouraged to do so to raise awareness of the NHS services they provide and to signpost patients and the public to them.

  • Are there guidelines on producing accessible communications?

    The Accessible Information Standard was published by NHS England, following approval as a new ‘information standard’ for the NHS and adult social care system, in July 2015.

  • How can dispensing appliance contractors use the NHS Identity?

    Dispensing appliance contractors commissioned under a primary care contract may use the NHS primary care logo on information relating to the NHS services they provide in the same way as other primary care contractors.

  • How can we use the NHS Identity on charity branded materials?

    How you use the NHS Identity on your hospital charity depends on whether it is an NHS charity or an independent charity.

  • How can NHS organisations, campaigns or partnerships differentiate themselves?

    The single NHS Identity was introduced in 1999 to clearly signpost patients to NHS organisations and services. It is the visual representation of the values and purpose of the NHS — a national service, accessible and free to all. Since being introduced, the NHS Identity is now instantly recognised by 98% of the public.

  • Can we use the Star of Life symbol?

    The Star of Life is used in some countries as a symbol denoting ambulances, paramedics and other emergency medical services . Copyright in the symbol is believed to belong to the United States Government, which seems to be happy to allow such use.

  • How can pharmacies use the NHS Identity?

    Our research shows that people find it helpful and reassuring when they see the NHS Identity applied to primary care services. Therefore, whilst pharmacies are not contractually required to use the NHS Identity, they are encouraged to do so to raise awareness of the NHS services they provide and to signpost patients and the public to them

  • How can opticians use the NHS Identity?

    Our research shows that people find it helpful and reassuring when they see the NHS Identity applied to primary care services. Therefore, whilst opticians are not contractually required to use the NHS Identity, they are encouraged to do so to raise awareness of the NHS services they provide and to signpost patients and the public to them.