Latest news with #StillIgnored:TheFightforAccessibleHealthcare
Leader Live
14-05-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
North Wales MS Mark Isherwood shares his weekly update
MS for North Wales Questioning the First Minister about the accessibility of town centres and outdoor public places for blind and partially sighted people, I referred to correspondence I received from Guide Dogs Cymru stating that 'blind and vision impaired people are rarely consulted on Place Making Plans, in spite of Welsh Government's expectations, and the legal requirement for Equality Impact Assessments to demonstrate accessible and meaningful engagement'. After also referring to Deaf and hearing loss charity RNID's latest report, 'Still Ignored: The Fight for Accessible Healthcare', which found that 'despite the All Wales Standards for Accessible Communication and Information being introduced more than a decade ago, fewer than 1 in 5 agreed that their information and communication needs are met more often now than a decade ago', I therefore asked whether her Welsh Government will 'introduce, at last, effective monitoring of Wales' accessibility standards for people with sensory loss, involving them in the process'. Wales is the only UK country without a Deaf Mental Health Service, yet Deaf people are twice as likely to experience a mental health problem as a hearing person. Responding to the Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing's Statement, 'The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy', I therefore asked her why the Strategy does not confirm involvement of the All Wales Deaf Mental Health and Wellbeing Group. I also asked her why the Strategy does not categorically state that conditions such as Autism and ADHD are lifelong conditions, not mental health conditions, although they can lead to challenges that increase the risk of mental health issues, and that it is therefore incumbent on Services to establish and adjust to a Neurodivergent person's needs, and stop treating them as the problem. Senedd engagements included Biodiversity Day event, where I met RSPB Cymru in my role as the Wales Species Champion for the Curlew, and Cross-Party Group on Dementia. Following MS Awareness Week 2025, I also sponsored an MS Society Cymru 'MS Conversations' event in the Senedd. Informed by issues raised in both the September 2024 Auditor General for Wales report on Active Travel in Wales and the Welsh Government's Active Travel Board report for 2023-24, the Senedd Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee, which I Chair, is undertaking an inquiry into Active Travel. As part of this, I visited Slovenia with the Committee. 'Active travel' describes everyday journeys made in a physically active way. Other engagements included the Polish Integration Support Centre (PISC)'s Polish Heritage Day celebration at St. Mary's Cathedral, Wrexham. For help, email or call 0300 200 7219.
Pembrokeshire Herald
24-04-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
NHS Wales accused of failing over 300,000 patients with hearing loss
RNID report claims 'systemic discrimination' is putting lives at risk A NEW report published this week (April 24) has accused NHS Wales of widespread failings in care for deaf people and those with hearing loss—failings that campaigners say are not only unlawful, but also putting lives at risk. The report, titled Still Ignored: The Fight for Accessible Healthcare, was compiled by RNID, a leading charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. It highlights what the organisation describes as a 'hidden scandal' affecting more than 300,000 adults across Wales. Despite clear legal duties under the Equality Act 2010 and a decade-old policy framework—the All Wales Standards for Accessible Communication introduced in 2013—the report finds that deaf people are routinely denied the support they need when accessing NHS services. Missed standards, missed care Among the most alarming findings is that more than 7 in 10 (73%) deaf patients and those with hearing loss say they have never been asked about their communication needs in a healthcare setting. This is despite it being a basic requirement under equality law. Almost 1 in 3 (30%) reported being unable to contact their GP in a way that works for them, such as using text or email instead of a phone. More than 2 in 3 (64%) had difficulty knowing when they were being called from a waiting room, and 42% struggled to communicate symptoms or concerns with staff. In more serious consequences: 8% said they had avoided calling an ambulance or attending A&E due to communication barriers. said they had avoided calling an ambulance or attending A&E due to communication barriers. 18% said a health condition worsened because of poor communication. said a health condition worsened because of poor communication. 11% believe their health was directly put at risk. Family as interpreters More than half of deaf patients (56%) said they had to rely on family or friends to relay medical information, often without professional support. 1 in 4 were denied the communication assistance they asked for outright. RNID warns this not only risks miscommunication, but also strips patients of their right to dignity, privacy, and autonomy in healthcare. The consequences can be devastating. Kate Boddy, a Child of a Deaf Adult (CODA) from Wales, acted as interpreter for her father, Richard Boddy, when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2022. She told The Herald: 'There's so little out there in BSL. When Dad got his diagnosis, I had to suppress all my emotions just to translate for him. Even though we knew he was going to pass away, I don't feel like I ever got to say goodbye.' Mr Boddy died in November 2023, aged 70. Staff awareness low The RNID also surveyed NHS Wales staff and found significant gaps in training and understanding: Only 57% knew how to record a patient's communication needs. knew how to record a patient's communication needs. Fewer than half (48%) knew how to flag those needs in online records. Just 17% of staff said they always feel able to meet the communication needs of deaf patients. Dr Natasha Wilcock, a deaf doctor working in palliative care, said: 'Deaf insight training should be compulsory. I've met patients who didn't realise their cancer treatment had ended and that they were receiving end-of-life care. That level of misunderstanding is unacceptable.' Calls for urgent action Polly Winn, RNID's External Affairs Manager in Wales, said: 'It is not acceptable for people to leave medical appointments without understanding their diagnosis, or to be forced to share intimate health details with family because NHS Wales won't provide interpreters. 'This is systematic discrimination—an equality failure that is putting lives at risk. The situation demands urgent reform.' RNID is calling on the Welsh Government to: Reaffirm and enforce the All Wales Standards for Accessible Communication; Introduce robust oversight systems to monitor compliance; Mandate deaf awareness training for all NHS staff; Ensure people with lived experience help shape future reforms. A spokesperson for NHS Wales said the organisation is reviewing the findings and remains committed to improving access for all patients. The Welsh Government has not yet issued a response to the report.
