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Where is our access to the NHS?

Deaf people are dying due to poor healthcare. Providing communication access can save lives by making sure deaf people get the care we need.

What you can do
The issues
Latest updates
Key documents
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Our vision

No more excuses and no more barriers!

We need healthcare without barriers. With communication access in place, we can eliminate health inequality for deaf people.

Will you join us?

What you can do

The issues

We are still sick of it…

Did you know, it was ten years ago that SignHealth published the Sick Of It report? The research showed how deaf people have poorer health in the UK compared to hearing people.

Barriers in health services lead to inequalities. It’s hard to make an appointment, to get an interpreter, or to get health information in BSL. 

In the 2014 Sick of It report, it was estimated that “misdiagnosis and poor treatments are costing the NHS £30 million a year.”

Taking into account inflation over the past decade, as well as additional costs linked to social care and mental health, SignHealth estimates that the equivalent figure today would be in the region of £80-£100 million every year.

Rachel’s story

Rachel shares her poor access to healthcare during her first pregnancy.

Will she have more access this time?

Woman with long hair wearing a black shirt sitting on a yellow chair

Simon’s story

Simon shares his experience as a GP on the importance of improving deaf awareness in primary care.

Man wearing a black shirt sitting in an NHS office

Latest updates

Key documents