Call for greater awareness of deaf patients as NHS Forth Valley hail sign language plan

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A deaf patient who pulled a cancerous tumour out of his own mouth has highlighted communication barriers.John Barrett shared his story in a video conversation with a member of staff, detailing his experiences navigating his cancer journey.He discussed both the positive and challenging aspects of his care, highlighting where communication gaps previously impacted his access to information and services before the issues were finally addressed.He said: “Most doctors never like face-to-face with a patient but for me it can’t be a video for me as I don’t understand them and they don’t understand me.

Communication breaks down. I need to be in a room for a three-way conversation with me, a doctor and an interpreter.“The doctor doesn’t know what is wrong without checking this.“I felt there was something not right and it had to be by video as I had no choice.

I needed to get antibiotics as it was an infection. Two weeks later I saw the nurse and it was still an infection.“But I had breathing problems and knew something was wrong.

I pulled out a tumour and blood was pouring out of my mouth. I went to the hospital and was told two weeks later I had cancer.“If it had been caught early it would have saved chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. “I don’t blame the doctor, they just need some more deaf awareness. “All doctors and receptionists need some deaf awareness and I need face-to-face not a video as communication breaks own. “Face-to-face with an interpreter you can understand but on video you can’t.“For a five minute appointment I need an interpreter.“If you did not have this interpreter service in the NHS service, I would really have struggled and mental health could go through the roof.“One call from the hospitals can