Patient A:‘My GP — I am really impressed with them to be honest, because they will NOT see me without an interpreter […] Which I think, is really good.’1
Patient B:‘… they [GP] would say, “No, if you are really ill, then yes, we will bring an interpreter but if it’s just a general medication or blood test then no it’s not necessary.”’1
Patient C:‘… my writing skills are not very good, so it was like communicating in 18th century fashion in black ink, and I didn’t understand what was being written …‘1
Estimates on the number of deaf sign language users across the UK vary; however, on 18 March 2003, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions formally announced: ‘The Government recognise that British Sign Language [BSL] is a language in its own right regularly used by a significant number of people … [as] their preferred language for participation in everyday life.’ 2
Studies have shown that the health of deaf people can be adversely affected by both barriers in accessing NHS primary care services and a range of social determinants, including an educational attainment gap,3 resulting in health inequality. They are less likely to be able to fully comprehend health literature in written English,4 and varying levels of health literacy can limit their understanding of health conditions, reduce their ability to manage their health, and prevent their informed choice in avoiding potentially unhealthy lifestyles.
ATTEMPTING TO ACCESS THE ACCESSIBLE?
From 2013–2019, a range of Healthwatch reports across England have indicated common themes in the deaf sign language user’s struggle to effectively access healthcare services, including general practice.5 Notwithstanding the legislative framework (Equality Act 2010; Public Sector Equality Duty 2011) and the implementation of the NHS Accessible Information Standard in July 2016, deaf people …