Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 2 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 November 2004. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 November 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to increase the number of sign language interpreters for profoundly deaf people attending for NHS treatment.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the number of sign language interpreters for profoundly deaf people attending for NHS treatment. [196280] Dr. Ladyman: The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments to the way they deliver their services so that disabled people can1 use them. In 1999, the Department issued guidance to chief executives of national health service trusts on providing good quality services meeting the needs of disabled people. This guidance contains a section explaining the needs of people who are deaf or who have a hearing impairment setting out a range of ways in which better communication can be supported. For example, the guidance recommends that interpreters used for medical consultations should be appropriately qualified and that hospitals and health centres should maintain an up to date list of accredited sign language interpreters. The Department, in partnership with the Disability Rights Commission, has this year issued good practice guidance to NHS organisations suggesting practical ways to improve services for disabled people.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 196280; 426 c1693W;426 c1696W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Hearing impairment Hospitals NHS Medical treatments Patients Staff Interpreters Sign language
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk