Healthwatch Northamptonshire activity on sensory impairment in 2018
Download (PDF 400.88 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Northamptonshire undertook research on sensory impairment issues in Northamptonshire during 2018. The report summarised its work relating to people with hearing loss, deafness and sight loss, drawing on patient experiences, engagement with voluntary organisations and discussions with health and care providers.
A major focus was improving access to healthcare for deaf and hard of hearing people. Healthwatch highlighted ongoing concerns about the failure to provide British Sign Language interpreters and other communication support, despite requirements under the Accessible Information Standard. The report included a case study where a profoundly deaf patient experienced serious communication failures during a hospital admission, leading to misunderstandings about her care and treatment. Healthwatch continued to seek assurances from commissioners and NHS trusts that appropriate interpreting services would be available when required.
The report also supported proposals for an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer at Northampton General Hospital, arguing that people experiencing sight loss need emotional and practical support at the point of diagnosis. Healthwatch raised concerns about increasing pressures within the hospital’s ophthalmology department, including long waiting times, difficulties contacting the service and growing demand linked to an ageing population. Hospital managers acknowledged capacity issues and outlined measures to increase clinic capacity and staffing.
Healthwatch Northamptonshire also opposed proposals to withdraw preventative services provided by Deafconnect and Northamptonshire Association for the Blind. It argued that these services play a vital role in helping people remain independent and preventing greater health and social care needs. The report welcomed the subsequent decision not to end the contracts and concluded that continued investment in preventative support is essential for people with sensory impairments.