Health and medicine

'Here at the BHF we have many important heart health messages to convey to the community. We value the role of the Plain English Campaign in helping us communicate sometimes complex medical terminology in a language that is easy for people to understand. The widespread use of our publications and materials as information resources is testimony to that.'
Claire O'Neill, British Heart Foundation

All of us need medical information at some point in our lives. The medical sector has a responsibility to make sure that all its public information is accurate, clear and easy to understand. Whether it is the instructions on a packet of painkillers, or a leaflet about diabetes, people have a right to understand their condition and how to treat it.

We have done a great deal of work on medical documents for a range of organisations, but we are determined to increase the medical profession's awareness of writing in plain English. Luckily we are not alone. There are several groups who lobby the industry about its public information. We have some links with the Patient Information Forum, an independent group campaigning for developing, producing, and distributing high-quality information for patients, carers, and their families.