Sensory impairment: experiences of health services
Download (PDF 733.54 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Darlington undertook research on people with sensory impairments’ experience of health and social care services to support Healthwatch England’s campaign on the accessible information standard. They spoke to 14 people.
Service providers do not provide a consistent service to those with sensory impairments. Problems accessing and using health and care services leave service users frustrated and reliant upon others, causing health anxieties.
Not all services provide the support needed in terms of adaptations and accommodating communication needs. Reliance upon carers impacts the independence of service users. A lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals, was illustrated by, but not limited to, frequent comments about mask wearing.
A lack of awareness amongst members of the public about their rights and what they should expect under the Accessible Information Standard makes it harder for individuals to know how to complain and who to complain to when they do not get the support they need.
COVID-19 has caused additional problems for those with sensory impairments, from mask wearing to navigating new one-way systems, and delays in treatment during lockdowns.
The report contains three recommendations and responses from service providers.