Deaf Patient Details Communication Barriers in Healthcare
Millie, a deaf patient, has reported significant difficulties communicating with healthcare staff, notably receiving telephone calls despite explaining her inability to hear. She highlighted that this situation made her feel ignored, put her at risk of missing essential information, and reduced her independence by requiring reliance on others for communication.
Millie expressed that this situation made her feel ignored, put her at risk of missing essential information, and reduced her independence by requiring reliance on others for communication.
Interpreter Cancellation on Surgery Day
Further challenges arose on the day of her surgery when Millie was informed that her interpreter had cancelled. While a nurse with basic signing skills was available, this development added to the communication concerns.
Mother Emphasizes Need for Qualified BSL Interpreters
Millie's mother, Joanne Neadley, who is also deaf, spoke out about the situation. She stated that her daughter's surgery had experienced multiple delays. Neadley described the absence of an interpreter on the day of the procedure as inappropriate, even while acknowledging the nurse's positive demeanor. Joanne Neadley strongly emphasized the need for a British Sign Language (BSL)-qualified interpreter to ensure effective communication for deaf patients.