Ms Rebecca Thomas | Patient Information Copy-Editor
London
- Website
- Thomas Editing
- Membership Grade
- Professional Member
About Rebecca
Thomas Editing
I help people understand health
I have 25 years' plus experience as a non-fiction copy editor. I edit patient information leaflets and websites for the NHS and health charities.
Did you know the average reading age in the UK is 9 to 11 years? Health literacy can be even lower. Add to that our pain, confusion, fear, sadness and anger when we're not well. It's hard to take in important information. So, as an editor, I want to make patient information easier to follow. I want people to understand what is happening to them and what they need to do – or not do – next.
I can:
• help you meet those 3-year review deadlines
• join your team for larger projects
As well as checking spelling, syntax, and grammar, I consider:
• reading age, sentence length, active voice
• tone, colloquialisms, inclusive language
• use of acronyms, negative contractions, space-saving devices
• accessibility of font size, colour contrast, images
• description of numbers and risk
• clarity of graphics
• Q and A formats
• headings
• key point summaries
• explaining words used in the document
My approach
I collaborate. Patient information editing is collaborative and iterative.
I respect the healthcare workers who made the content. They diagnose, treat and care. I edit. So, I’m not looking for ‘mistakes’, I’m looking for the message they want to convey.
I motivate people to act. I want to give them the info to keep their appointments or stick to the exercise regime.
I'm direct and honest. Not euphemistic, or defensive, or formal. Say ‘poo’ instead of ‘stools’ and more of your audience will understand.
It’s opening up, not dumbing down.
Member of the Patient Information Forum
Types of work
I can edit your patient information leaflets, web pages and booklets. I can check references.
I can also join your team for larger projects. This includes launching new websites and creating public-facing consultation documents.
I will also consider other non-fiction projects with a public information focus.
Get in touch
Please call 07531 061 007 or email [email protected]
Happy customers
Positive suggestions, always hits her deadline
We’ve worked extensively with Rebecca at Anthony Nolan, and it’s always been a total pleasure.
Rebecca has reviewed and updated our health information for people whose blood cancer or blood disorder is treated by stem cell transplant.
Rebecca has helped us to make our information as clear and accessible as possible for its target audience. She offers many positive suggestions for improvement, which are greatly appreciated, and always hits her deadline.
Our health information is always enhanced following Rebecca’s involvement. Highly recommended.
Tom Bishop, Head of Patient Information, Anthony Nolan
Invaluable skills and knowledge, high attention to detail, and reliable and responsive
We've been working with Rebecca for more than two years, to support us with the design and editing of patient information for our organisation.
We have five hospitals, so there is a large demand for new information, and the review of existing materials. Rebecca works seamlessly with our team to help maintain demand, but also ensure high quality outputs. It’s rare to find a supplier who’s not only efficient but also flexible and easy to collaborate with.
Rebecca has also provided lots of advice to help us continuously improve our patient information service. We highly recommend.
Rachel Watson, associate director of user insight and user experience design Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Focus on getting message across in an engaging and accurate way
Rebecca has edited Terrence Higgins Trust messages and information for a range of different audiences, ensuring they are accurate, consistent and, importantly, easy to read and understand. I would recommend her services – her focus has been on getting our message across in a clear, engaging and accurate way. Her ability to write for a range of audiences was wonderful along with her knowledge of research, evidence and review processes.’
Caroline Barker, marketing and production manager at Terrence Higgins Trust
‘Professionalism, with prompt turnaround
Rebecca offers professionalism, with a prompt turnaround, consistency and suggestions that make reports easier to understand, without altering the meaning.
Ian Streets, access consultant About Access
Service(s)
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Disclaimer note
The CIEP Directory of Editorial Services should be considered a point of first contact and prospective clients must satisfy themselves that members are capable of the work on offer. The Institute cannot be held responsible for the quality of work provided by any member listed in the directory. The members themselves are responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of their entries in the Directory and the CIEP has not made any attempt to vet them. The institute cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the Directory. Inclusion in the Directory as a freelance does not necessarily mean that the member is self-employed as defined by HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions.