Still Ignored: the fight for accessible healthcare
Published in June 2025 by RNID and Signhealth, this report highlights the unequal access the Deaf community have to all healthcare. 70% of service users
do not have their communication needs and preferences met during consultations. This can result in them not understanding their diagnosis or treatment options. We need to get this right for our service users.
Always ask about communication needs and preferences.
Always follow communication needs and preferences
Full report available on the RNID website in PDF and BSL formats
NHS England Accessible Information Standard (AIS)
The Mental Health and Deafness Service, based at Walkergate Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, is for deaf and deafblind people aged 18 years or older who mainly use British Sign Language to communicate and who have mental health problems. We work with the Community Treatment Team (CTT) in your local area.
How can I get referred?
You can be referred by a Specialist Mental Health Service
