I Am Deaf - patient support cards New ‘I am Deaf’ hospital patient support cards ar for British sign language users are making such an impact that there are now calls from deaf people across England and Wales for similar cards to be made available elsewhere in the UK. GDA’s social media posts to promote the cards have reached more than 80,000 people within a few weeks. In the first three months since they we introduced, there has been a 22% drop in wasted cancelled hospital appointments involving Deaf patients who use sign language. 4 The ‘I am Deaf’ cards are the result of positive partnership working between GDA and Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The cards allow patients to identify themselves to medical and non-medical staff as a sign language user, as well as offering instructions on the back on how to book a BSL interpreter. GDA’s Chief Executive, Jenny Hopkins, said, “We are grateful to Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for putting their trust at last in deaf patients themselves to know what works for them. Initial objections to the cards centred around the idea that a support card somehow stigmatises the deaf patient, but this is not how many deaf patients see it. “Deaf people feel no stigma about being deaf. However, because it is so easy to mistake deafness for other conditions, including dementia or learning difficulties, vital time can be lost. In an emergency medical situation, it is vital deafness is recognised immediately and communication support is put in place promptly.” New Hard of Hearing Patient Support cards now available... Following the hugely successful launch of the Deaf Patient Support cards, we are now launching a similar communication support card for those living with an acquired hearing loss. The cards offer a simple and concise explanation to medical professionals as to how best to communicate with someone who is hard of hearing. These cards are free to all and are available by contacting the GDA office on 01452 372999 or emailing admin@gda.org.uk.
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