Robin heads to The Emergency Services Show
Robin is at Birmingham International but does that mean it’s time for Deaf Expo? No!
What about the NHS Expo? No!
Being at Birmingham International also means Robin is close to the airport, so perhaps Robin is off travelling the world delivering workshops, just like he has done across the UK?
No!
So, why is Robin here?
Every year, Birmingham hosts The Emergency Services Show, an event that brings together people and organisations from across the emergency services sector, with visitors and exhibitors attending from around the world.
Robin is here to find out exactly what the event is all about, explore what’s on offer, meet the people involved and, of course, have a good look around.
So, what will Robin discover?
Exploring The Emergency Services Show
Wow! There is a lot to discover at the Emergency Services Show.
A visit to the Local Resilience Forum provided an insight into how communities, faith groups and other organisations can support emergency services during emergencies such as floods and heatwaves, as well as how they can continue supporting affected communities afterwards.
An important question was raised: How do deaf people access emergency messages?
Too often, deaf people may not know what is happening during an emergency because information isn’t always accessible. This was discussed with the forum, who took the time to listen and reflect on the issue.
Back in the main hall, the many exhibition stands provided an opportunity to ask organisations about their staff training, including whether they provide deaf awareness training, consider the accessibility of their services, and ensure staff know how to communicate effectively with deaf people.
These questions came directly from your feedback. Everything you have shared has been taken to the people working within emergency services.
Many recognised the issues raised and agreed that there is more to consider, particularly around working more closely with deaf people and our communities.
Your feedback is helping to start important conversations and that can make a difference.
Continuing the Conversation
For any organisation met during the day, if you would like more information or support, please get in touch with SignHealth.
Share your questions, issues or concerns with us. We can provide accessibility audits or deaf awareness training for your staff, helping to make your services more accessible for deaf people in the community.
A huge thank you to The Emergency Services Show for such an amazing day and for providing the opportunity to have these important conversations.
There is still more to do, but today has been a great step forward.
Ready to make your services more accessible? Book our Training and Consultancy services today.
We are Still Sick Of It
Health inequalities are impacting outcomes for the deaf community. Our campaign is called Still Sick Of It, because it’s not right and it’s absolutely avoidable.
Our policy team worked hard to change the system. After publishing the Still Ignored report in collaboration with RNID, SignHealth has:
- Presented to over 500 NHS professionals (including NHS complaints managers and ICBs) to spread awareness of the communication responsibilities of health services.
- Met with the Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms and the staff of the Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
- Led over 90 Deaf Health Roadshow workshops to raise awareness of healthcare rights.
- And created a template letter for deaf patients to give to health services to explain communication needs.
What can the NHS do?
- SignHealth offers training and consultancy to support health services in becoming more accessible
- Use the Accessible Information Standard (AIS)!
- Always check in advance what a patient’s language and communication needs are
- Book the correct communication support – BSL interpreters, for example
- Ensure health professionals have deaf awareness training and an understanding of the needs of deaf patients and families
