Conversations with the deaf community in Hull and East Riding have exposed the stark reality of navigating the NHS without access to British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters.
Engagement work undertaken by NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) with Hull and East Yorkshire Centre for the Deaf, has highlighted the barriers many people who are hearing-impaired face when trying to access health services.
According to national data, only seven per cent of patients who need a BSL interpreter for NHS appointments actually receive one.
The consequences aren’t just frustrating – they can be life-threatening. Deaf people are twice as likely to die from disease, not because of illness, but because of barriers to access.
The ICB’s engagement team spent time with members of the deaf community who use Hull and East Yorkshire Centre for the Deaf, talking to them about their experiences.
A number of films were subsequently produced, capturing their feedback. They’re now available to watch on Youtube.
A blog is also available here: https://letsgetbetter.co.uk/2025/12/11/healthcare-without-communication-isnt-really-healthcare
The films were shared at an ICB Board meeting and the ICB has now pledged to use the films as a training tool for NHS staff across Humber and North Yorkshire to spark awareness – and hopefully raise standards.
Jason Stamp, Chair of NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB, said: “Equitable access to healthcare is a fundamental principle of our system. Communication is not a luxury – it’s a necessity.
“We must work together to remove obstacles and ensure that every patient, including those in the deaf community, can access the care they need safely and confidently.
“That means not only improving interpreter provision but also raising awareness among NHS staff about the importance of communication and the steps we can all take to make services accessible, particularly to those with additional needs, such as those who are deaf and hearing-impaired.”
Sarah Regan, Residential Manager at Hull and East Yorkshire Centre for the Deaf added: “For too long, deaf people have been left behind by a system that doesn’t recognise communication as a basic right.
“Small changes – like ensuring interpreters are booked and staff understand our needs – make a huge difference.
“We welcome the ICB’s commitment to raising awareness and working with us to create services that are truly accessible.”