Accessible healthcare for deaf people and those with hearing loss

That this House is deeply concerned by the findings of the recent report by RNID and SignHealth, which demonstrate that the NHS in England does not have the systems in place to fulfil the right to accessible healthcare for people who are deaf or have hearing loss; notes that the report shows the NHS frequently fails to meet the fundamental needs of deaf people and those with hearing loss, in clear violation of the Equality Act 2010; further notes that low awareness of the NHS Accessible Information Standard, poor recording and sharing of patients’ communication needs, and insufficient staff training continue to undermine equal access to safe and effective care; recognises that these failures have persisted for years, deterring people from seeking treatment, preventing understanding of medical information, and leaving many unable to manage their health; and calls on the Government, NHS England, healthcare providers and commissioners to acknowledge these systemic failings and urgently implement a transformation plan to ensure that deaf people and those with hearing loss receive the accessible healthcare they are entitled to.