Word of Mouth

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Series exploring the world of words and the ways in which we use them

BBC Radio 4 LW

Word of Mouth: NHS language use

NHS language use

BBC Radio 4 - Word of Mouth, NHS language use

Michael Rosen on how the NHS chooses words on its website and in consultants' letters.

Michael Rosen talks with Sara Wilcox, NHS website content designer, and consultant Dr Hugh Rayner, about the words chosen for the NHS website and for letters written to patients.

Michael Rosen talks with Sara Wilcox, NHS content designer, about how they decide which words to use on the NHS website. Consultant Dr Hugh Rayner describes his initiative to encourage consultants to write letters to their outpatient clinic patients directly and in clear language, rather than via their GP. When it comes to the NHS, communication can be a matter of life or death. 
Subscribe to the Word of Mouth podcast and never miss an episode.  
Producer Beth O'Dea
Related Links:
The content style guide in the NHS digital service manual: https://beta.nhs.uk/service-manual/content
The A to Z of NHS health writing: https://beta.nhs.uk/service-manual/content/a-to-z-of-NHS-health-writing
Writing outpatient letters to patients: http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/bmj.m24?ijkey=PKDrAMEdQAxS1w5&keytype=ref 
Please, write to me guidance: http://www.aomrc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Please_write_to_me_Guidance_010918.pdf

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Word of Mouth

NHS language use

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4