New communication cards for British Sign Language users in the Southern Trust
To mark British Sign Language Week the Southern Health and Social Care Trust has launched new communication cards for patients who are deaf British Sign Language users.
Mairead Casey, Patient/Client and 10,000 Voices Facilitator for the Trust said, “In Northern Ireland there are 4,300 people who use British Sign Language and 2,500 of these are deaf.
“Evidence shows that deaf patients often have difficulties in accessing clinical services and taking part in their own health consultations in a way that most of us take for granted.
“We have been working with local service users and our Sensory Disability Team to find ways to improve how patients whose first language is British Sign Language, can access our services better.
“We hope that the wallet sized cards will help our staff to quickly identify patients who are deaf and get communication support in place promptly, so that they have the best possible experience of our care,” she added.
For more information please contact Mairead Casey on Tel: 028 3756 6764 or Email: Mairead.Casey@southerntrust.hscni.net
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