Poor access to healthcare for deaf people is a hidden national scandal. We need your help to change this.
We need your MP to take action in Parliament, to ask for:
- The Department of Health and Social Care to bring forward a plan to fully implement the Accessible Information Standard (AIS)
- The introduction of mandatory deaf awareness and AIS training for NHS staff
- The Government to make the AIS legally enforceable
Our research shows:
- Nearly half (45%) of people who are deaf or have a hearing loss experience communication barriers when booking an appointment.
- More than half (54%) of people who are deaf or have hearing loss have had to rely on either a partner, family member, or friend to relay information or interpret for them at a healthcare appointment. This removes their right to privacy and dignity in their own healthcare.
- Only 7% of people who need support from a communication professional, such as a BSL interpreter or lipspeaker, are always provided with the right support.
In 2016, NHS England introduced the Accessible Information Standard (AIS) – a document that sets out guidance on what should be done to make NHS services accessible to people with sensory loss, in line with equality law. The AIS aims to help patients to access services, understand information, manage their health, and participate in treatment decisions.
But, our new research shows this is still not happening. Too many NHS providers are not following the AIS.
We’ve prepared an email for you to send to your MP which explains exactly what they need to do.
