Deaf 'missing out' on health care

Deaf people are 'receiving inadequate care'

People with hearing difficulties in Northern Ireland are missing out on health care, it has been claimed.

The Royal College of Nursing and the Royal National Institute for the Deaf said the problem was poor communication facilities in places like doctors' surgeries.

They have united to call for improved access to health care for those with hearing difficulties.

Claire Mullan, RNID, said a few simple steps could improve the situation.

"When it comes to talking about nurses and GPs we would recommend that they have deaf awareness training, " she said.

"It is a very simple training course, it only takes a morning and, hopefully, would be funded by the trust."

She said learning sign language would also prove helpful.

On a practical note, she said that installing a loop system and visual display system in GP practices and surgeries would improve matters for those with hearing difficulties.