A letter for the Health Secretary
Barriers in health services lead to inequalities.
We are still sick of it! Where is our access?
We know ending health barriers for deaf people is a massive challenge, but it is a challenge that needs to be a collaborative effort and we want you to be part of this journey.
Behind the scenes, SignHealth in partnership with several deaf-led organisations are planning a new campaign along with our community and allies to achieve deaf equity and end health barriers for deaf people across the UK. The power of our community’s lived experiences will lead, shape and inform this campaign and we’re passionate about ending the health inequalities we face. Inspired by Sir Michael Marmot’s 2010 report, Fair Society, Healthy Lives, we commissioned New Economics Foundation and the University of Manchester, Social Research on Deaf People to carry out research into the inequalities which affect deaf people.
As we shape this new campaign, it is our hope that the deaf community, all deaf organisations and our allies come together to campaign for deaf equity. This is one of the reasons why we have set up our first advisory group of people across the UK to address different experiences, lived experiences and perspectives across our diverse community. This advisory group will help us decide what issues we campaign on, give feedback on ideas, and ensure the campaign is led by our community.
We need to work together to change the system and can’t do this alone. Will you join us?
Contact the team by email: campaigns@signhealth.org.uk
Only 11% of patients covered by the Accessible Information Standard (AIS) have fair access to the NHS.
The Accessible Information Standard is a legal right that ensures:
Find out more about the AIS below:
Barriers in health services lead to inequalities.
We are still sick of it! Where is our access?
Tell us your experiences of NHS services and help us show how they can better meet the communication needs of deaf people.
Nathan and Abigail’s experience campaigning for deaf people’s health and wellbeing at the 2024 Labour Conference
What do we want to see happen?