BBC News | HEALTH | NHS 'systematically failing deafblind'

GPs and hospital staff are failing some of Britain's most disabled people, according to a survey.

Research has found that many deafblind people are being forced out of health services because communication with most doctors is nearly impossible and they often get treatment - even operations - with no explanation.

The survey was carried out by the charities Sense and Deafblind UK.

It found:

three out of four deafblind people said they could not make themselves understood in hospital
nearly half received procedures (operations, injections, drips) that had not been explained
one in six actively avoided seeking medical advice when ill because of difficulties communicating and poor treatment

Malcolm Matthews, acting chief executive of Sense, said: "We were shocked by stories of people being too terrified to go to the doctor or hospital, being left on trolleys and of drugs being administered without explanation or permission.

"Lack of training, support and advice for doctors and other medical staff has created a situation of institutional discrimination with deafblind people being treated like second class citizens."

Vulnerable group

Comments from deafblind people
"I was given a morphine drip after a serious operation but no one thought to tell me I could press a button for an extra dose ."
"I dread the thought of going into hospital, whatever the reason. After many bad experiences in the past I know that I would be as helpless as a child and very frightened."
"(The worst thing was) the doctors just telling us on several occasions our son was deaf and blind very bluntly with no thought or feelings. Then sending us away to drive a long distance home with no hope or care to what help we would get."
Jackie Hicks, chief executive of Deafblind UK, said: "This report proves that the NHS is systematically discriminating against one of the most vulnerable groups in society.

"Sense and Deafblind UK demand an end to the lottery of care that means unless deafblind people are lucky; there is little chance of receiving good quality accessible care.

"Health care is a universal human right - deafblind people need the NHS to say 'Yes to Access' and ensure that they too can receive a full and fair service."

The charities surveyed the healthcare experiences of 382 deafblind people and their families across the UK.


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