RNID and SignHealth publish report on accessibility of healthcare for people with hearing loss

The RNID and SignHealth have published a report on accessible healthcare for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.  The report shows that the NHS does not have the systems in place to fulfil the right to accessible healthcare for people who are deaf or have hearing loss, and the NHS often fails to meet their fundamental needs, clearly violating the rights set out in the Equality Act over 15 years ago.

The report covers how:

• NHS services are regularly failing to implement the five steps of the AIS.
• NHS Services do not meet the specific needs of those who require communication support.
• NHS systems fail to equip staff to meet the needs of patients.
• There is a lack of deaf awareness amongst NHS staff, and a need for training to improve it.
• Complaints processes are often inaccessible and rarely lead to improvements.

The report also gives recommendations for the DHSC and NHSE on improvements for accessibility.

Find the report here: https://rnid.org.uk/2025/04/hidden-nhs-scandal-putting-millions-of-lives-at-risk/