Elaine Duncan's experiences in Nine Wells Hospital have highlighted poor practice in offering interpretive services for deaf people. Duncan was admitted to hospital for an emergency appendectomy, but did not have any interpretation services offered during her 12 day stay, despite asking for these, leaving her frightened and isolated. Sometimes the problem can be due to a shortage of registered interpreters, but at other times the incorrect assumptions of those working in public services, that deaf people should be able to communicate adequately through lip reading or writing, may be the problem.
Murray, K (2013) Lack of British sign language interpreters putting deaf people at risk. Guardian, 7 May, 2013.
Signature is a charity promoting and delivering BSL education, with offices in Glasgow, Durham and Belfast.
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