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Open petition: Fund NHS BSL interpreters and deaf awareness training

Created by Rheane Marmon-halm
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Deaf BSL users can face barriers in A&E and NHS appointments. Some patients can't hear their names being called or access a BSL interpreter when needed. The government should ensure all hospitals provide timely BSL interpreters and deaf awareness training for staff.

Patients may not hear their names being called in A&E, clinics or appointments and can face delays in accessing qualified BSL interpreters. We are concerned that this can affect communication, informed consent, patient safety and dignity, particularly before operations and during emergencies. NHS hospitals should provide timely BSL interpreters and deaf awareness training for staff.

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    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 15 April 2027.