Snapshot Insight Report: Deaf People’s Healthcare Challenges

In May 2021, Healthwatch Barnet published a Snapshot Insight Report looking specifically at the challenges deaf people face with accessing their GP. The report followed local intelligence and a subsequent focus group with the Jewish Deaf Association (for people of all faiths and none) in April 2021.

In November 2021, Healthwatch Barnet held another focus group consisting of different participants and staff in the summer with the Jewish Deaf Association (JDA). The scope of the follow-up focus group was to obtain further data on the experiences of deaf residents in accessing more general health services, including community, hospital and GPs. From the in-depth qualitative feedback gathered from 14 people, four themes have been identified.

1. Lack of provision for qualified interpreters
2. Lack of d/Deaf awareness training
3. Difficulties of remote appointments
4. Communication challenges including a lack of accessible written information