Project seeks to improve healthcare services for Deaf people in Wolverhampton

A new research project to help improve health and social care services for Deaf people in Wolverhampton is urging people to share their experiences.

Healthwatch Wolverhampton and the University of Wolverhampton are looking at the experiences of the Deaf community in Wolverhampton to identify what problems currently exist when accessing healthcare services.

They are inviting people who are Deaf or hard of hearing to join them for afternoon tea and a chat at the University on Wednesday, 12 July 2017.

There will be two sessions in the Chancellor’s Hall at the City Campus, from 2pm-4pm and 4.30pm-6.30pm, chaired by Mr Tanvir Ahmed, from Action on Hearing Loss.

Tracy Cresswell, from Healthwatch Wolverhampton, said: “We want to know about people’s experiences of accessing health and social care services in Wolverhampton so we can build a city-wide picture of where things are working well, where problems exist, and what we can do to help improve access to services for the Deaf community.

“The sessions on 12 July will enable people to share their views and experiences of accessing healthcare so we can highlight where things need to change and improve for the Deaf community.”

Sarah Bown, from the University’s Faculty of Social Sciences, added: “The research project aims to identify how Healthwatch can support the Deaf community to highlight these problems to service providers and commissioners, make recommendations to tackle inequality and give Deaf people a stronger voice. As patients accessing health and social care services, we want Deaf people to have a visible impact on improving access to healthcare services throughout the city.”

According to the NHS Information Centre, there are 1055 people registered as Deaf or hard of hearing in Wolverhampton. [1] The Equality Act 2010, outlines responsibility for health providers to make reasonable adjustments for the way they provide services to Deaf and hard of hearing people. This is to ensure that Deaf patients are being given equitable provision to non- deaf users in accessing services. Achieving this in health services locally is crucial, as people often seek access to health provision in times of need.  

To book a place at the event, please contact: tracy.cresswell@healthwatchwolverhampton.co.uk or text: 07506 754 791

A video about the event featuring British Sign Language is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VAf-_VheJ8&t=33s

Further information

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