The BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire programme has reported on how a lack of BSL interpreters is meaning that deaf patients are missing out on vital information when accessing NHS services.
Read the full article here. Extract below:
A lack of face-to-face interpreters is meaning deaf patients are missing key operations and being informed of serious medical issues – such as a miscarriage – via a tablet computer, the Victoria Derbyshire programme has learned. Many of those affected say they want to be treated as equals by the NHS.
When Jeff Parfitt became distressed during a biopsy endoscopy, he wanted an interpreter to explain what was happening.
But there were not any available.
He panicked, pulling the endoscope – a tube with a tiny camera on the end – out of his body.
It was a vital procedure, but it had to be postponed.
Mr Parfitt, who was born deaf, was left shaken.
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Tim
June 12, 2018
They’re not “left behind by the NHS” – that’s panto dame style silly hysterics. Calm down.
There are unsatisfactory interpreter solutions for some people.
Muriel Lawson
June 13, 2018
Poor education standards in the past when British Sign Language was denied deaf pupils is mainly to blame for this state of affairs.
Education of both deaf and hearing children MUST be introduced into the National Curriculum with a GCSE in BSL…..then our doctors, nurses etc will be properly equipped to communicate with their Deaf patients.
Its common sense so why are the Government so hesitant in allowing This to happen? Actually, it is only, now, a short time before BSL WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM FOR ALL…..IT IS A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT and will open interesting career prospects for hearing young people to become Interpreters , social workers for Deaf people etc etc and Deaf students to achieve according to their true potential