How accessible do people who are deaf and hard of hearing find health and social care services in Telford and Wrekin?
We wanted to address how people who are deaf or hard of hearing find the accessibility of health and social care services in Telford and Wrekin.
Summary
During 2017 and 2018 we began receiving feedback from people who are deaf or hard of hearing about their experiences accessing local health and social care providers. As a result, we designed a survey to gather their views and find out what people thought could help improve services.
Recommendations
- Health and care support services were viewed as less accessible than more commonly used services such as hospital and GP practices. It is important to understand why these services are not offering a better standard of care for those who are deaf or hard of hearing
- It is clear what services can do to support those who are deaf or hard of hearing in accessing services. We recommend that local services increase the accessibility offer, for example longer appointments, which will support all clients, patients and carers
- We recommend that health and social care staff are provided with training in how to communicate better with people who are deaf or hard of hearing
- It is important that local health and social care services are monitored by commissioners on their awareness and responsibility in implementing the Accessible Information Standard. Perhaps by recognising those services that are successful it would encourage others to follow.
Downloads
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If you need this report in a different format, please get in touch:
info@healthwatchtelfordandwrekin.co.uk
01952 739540
