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Closed Make having face-to-face BSL interpreters compulsory in NHS hospitals

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Deaf patients are currently being given sensitive information and serious medical diagnoses via a tablet platform. Sign Live, the developers, say the internet in NHS hospitals is not strong enough for the system to function. This can lead to medical terminology and diagnoses being wrongly explained.

Creator of Sign Live Joel Kellhofer - who was born deaf - says the technology is not intended to replace face-to-face interpreters, especially in cases where serious information is being divulged. The interpretation services provided by Sign Live are not appropriate for environment that informs patients of medical procedures and diagnoses. Imagine being told you have cancer or have had a miscarriage via a tablet. One face-to-face BSL interpreter must be available per shift in all NHS hospitals.

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    This petition will stay open until 28 September 2019.