New report highlights ongoing barriers for Deaf and hard of hearing people accessing healthcare in Leicester and Leicestershire
The report, ‘A decade on: Progress and challenges in Deaf and hard of hearing healthcare access’, draws on the views of 110 Deaf and hard of hearing people across Leicester and Leicestershire.
While the report identifies improvements in some hospital and audiology services, it also finds that access to interpreters remains inconsistent, particularly in GP, dental and optical services. Many people continue to rely on family members to communicate with health professionals, raising concerns about independence, privacy and patient choice.
Key findings include:
- 49% of respondents felt healthcare services had worsened over the last decade, while 22% felt they had improved.
- 39% said they communicate with health professionals with help from family.
- 81% said they rely on their family and friends to book interpreters.
- GP access and appointment booking were the most frequently raised areas for improvement.
- Telephone-based systems, inaccessible information and inconsistent deaf awareness training continue to create barriers.
Healthwatch Leicester and Leicestershire is calling for consistent access to interpreters across all NHS settings, better communication options such as text, email and online booking, improved deaf awareness training for staff, clearer recording of communication needs and more accessible health information in plain English and British Sign Language (BSL) video formats.
“We want equal access, not special treatment, just the same opportunity to understand and be understood.”
Survey respondent
