Two-thirds of Deaf patients have no accessible way of contacting GP, survey reveals

[Northerner]

67% of Deaf people have not been given an accessible way of contacting their GP, according to a survey run by a group of charities including SignHealth, RNIB and RAD.

714 people with communication needs and 196 health professionals responded to the poll about the Accessible Information Standard (AIS) – guidance enforced in 2016 which requires NHS providers and publicly funded adult social care to meet the “communication support needs” of disabled patients.

The research also revealed that 1 in 3 health and social care providers were unaware or unsure about the existence of the AIS, while only 11 percent of disabled patients said they have fair and impartial access to the NHS.

James Watson-O’Neill, Chief Executive of SignHealth, said the new report provides “even more evidence” of Deaf and disabled people being “excluded from public services”.

“It is unacceptable for only one in ten disabled people to have equitable access to healthcare, particularly when the right to do so is protected in law. This has to change.

Two-thirds of Deaf patients have no accessible way of contacting GP, survey reveals

67% of Deaf people have not been given an accessible way of contacting their GP, according to a survey run by a group of charities including SignHealth, RNIB and RAD. 714 people with communication …

limpingchicken.com

This is appalling

 

[Gwynn]

Unbelievable! No, wait. Believable! Sadly. And typically. I thought our NHS was supposed to be the best in the World. Hmmm.

So, what are the actually going to do about it? Let me guess....

 

[trophywench]

I'd put money on it that they'll learn some lessons ..... if they haven't already ?????

 

[Leadinglights]

It is not just with people who are deaf or have vision issues but people who don't speak English as although there is supposed to be a service to provide a translator it has to be booked in advance and it is not always available so the doctor ends up with the patient's child who does speak English translating about what can be quite personal and intimate issues.

 

[trophywench]

Well that's true - but if people are actually taking the decision to live here - unless they have literally only just arrived as asylum seekers - then it is entirely in their own hands to bother to learn to speak the language - not up to wherever they arrive, to learn theirs.

 

[Leadinglights]

Well that's true - but if people are actually taking the decision to live here - unless they have literally only just arrived as asylum seekers - then it is entirely in their own hands to bother to learn to speak the language - not up to wherever they arrive, to learn theirs.

I have to agree but thought I might get shot down in flames if I said it.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

My GP practice always invites me for an apt as I can not hear on the phone now even with speakers on. I just email a request in for treatment or help and I'm contacted to say come in. My Mum who is at a different practice has the same problem so GP always says come in for a f2f.