Healthify He Puna Waiora |
Health Navigator Charitable Trust

Document name

Allopurinol for gout

Judges’ comments

This document is a very good example of plain language writing. The judges found its purpose to be clear and easy for readers to understand. It successfully explains the connection between uric acid, gout, and allopurinol.

The content is relevant and appropriate, filling a critical gap for patients and healthcare providers. The tone has a brilliant balance of being professional and knowledgeable while also friendly and engaging, and is helpful without being patronising.

The structure and layout are good. The judges noted the excellent use of headings, paragraphs, icons, and coloured sections to guide the reader through complicated information. The headings are informative and allow readers to take in key messages just by scanning the document. Paragraphs are short and focused on one topic, and the sentences are clear, short, and straightforward.

The judges liked the robust evaluation process. The document was tested with its target audience, including people with lived experience of gout and communities most affected by it, such as Māori and Pasifika groups. Their feedback was used to refine the content, resulting in a document that helps people find, understand, and act confidently on the information.

Media statement

Healthify He Puna Waiora | Health Navigator Charitable Trust has been shortlisted in the Best Plain Language Document — Public Sector category of the 2025 Plain Language Awards. The entry, Allopurinol for gout, is a factsheet designed to help people with gout understand how this long-term medicine works, why it matters, and how to use it safely.

Health Navigator Charitable Trust CEO Dr Janine Bycroft says the factsheet tackles two common misunderstandings that often prevent people from taking allopurinol as prescribed.

“Some believe they only need pain relief during a gout attack and question the need for a daily medicine. Others think that if they still get flare-ups after starting allopurinol, the treatment isn’t working. In fact, it takes time for uric acid levels to drop, and flare-ups can still happen early on. The factsheet explains that this is normal, and that taking allopurinol every day helps reduce uric acid over time, which lowers the risk of future attacks and protects joints in the long run.”

The resource was developed with support from Pharmac and tested extensively with cultural advisors, people living with gout, their whānau, and healthcare providers. It has been translated into Te reo Māori, Samoan, and Tongan so more whānau can access the information in a language they prefer.

Feedback has been very positive. Users found the factsheet is easy to follow, practical, and relevant. They valued the step-by-step layout, visuals, and tools for tracking uric acid and dosing.

Dr Bycroft said the factsheet demonstrates the trust’s commitment to plain language health resources. “Our goal is to make complex health content clear, concise and practical. When people understand their treatment and know what to expect, they’re more likely to keep taking their medicine, which can make a real difference to health outcomes.”

More information

The Allopurinol for gout factsheet is available on the Healthify He Puna Waiora website.

Renee Schick
Communications and Marketing
Health Navigator Charitable Trust