Free Service Means Deaf Patients Can See Their Doctor Sooner
2008-06-16
SignTranslate, the web-based communication program for Deaf people, is being made available to all GPs in England free of charge from this summer. The project will be funded by SignHealth, a national charity which is committed to bringing better healthcare to Deaf people in the UK. The program translates over 300 medical questions into British Sign Language (BSL) by means of short video clips. SignTranslate is not a replacement for interpreters but the translations are particularly useful when a Deaf patient needs to see a doctor quickly and a face to face interpreter is not available. In addition to the translation of the pre-defined questions, the SignTranslate program allows on-line access to "live" fully qualified BSL interpreters. Via a web-cam, a Deaf patient can enjoy a fully interactive discussion with their doctor through the interpreter. Deaf people suffer more illness than hearing people, including higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression and may not visit a doctor until their condition is severe because of the difficulties of communicating their needs. Deaf patients often have to rely on friends or family members or even their hearing children to accompany them to the doctors and this is not ideal, especially if it is a private matter. SignTranslate is working with Deaf charities and other interpreting organisations around the UK ensuring that GPs and Deaf patients using the on-line interpreting service have a choice of regional interpreters. Steve Powell, SignHealth's Chief Executive said, "With just over 400 fully qualified interpreters supporting 70,000 Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users, it can be a real challenge to arrange a supported doctor's appointment. With SignTranslate available free of charge at surgeries, we hope that every Deaf person will be able to see their doctor when they need. They will attend the consultation with the knowledge that the SignTranslate program will assist communication and additionally provide on-line interpretation." Suzanne Chivers, a communications trainer with Hampshire Deaf Association said, "Deaf people struggle at the doctors because medical words go right over their heads. The doctor is using English, the Deaf person is signing, and that's where the communication breakdown comes from." Suzanne added, "I think it is great that all doctors now have access to SignTranslate. It is easy to understand, with no complex medical terms, and there are the 'live' on-line interpreters if you need them." To see a demonstration of SignTranslate log on to www.signtranslate.com There is also information about the program in BSL on the website. Contact: Lauren Besant, Marketing Manager, SignTranslate 01494 687632 lbesant@signtranslate.com 16-June-2008 Notes to Editors: 1. SignHealth is the only UK charity focussed on improving the mental and physical health of Deaf people. SignHealth already has a track record of delivering change in care and treatment and in providing supported living, advocacy, outreach, counselling and health promotion, all within a BSL supported environment. Projects are located in London, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. SignHealth also works with service providers to improve health services for Deaf people and with other health and Deaf charities to provide health information and education. Pending a funding application to the Big Lottery, SignHealth, in partnership with Deaf organisations across the UK, will launch the largest survey of the health of Deaf people in the UK later this year. 2. SignTranslate is wholly owned by SignHealth, the healthcare charity for Deaf people. SignTranslate provides unique web-based translation programs for use with Deaf and hard of hearing people and those with limited English. SignTranslate also offers on-line interpreting for Deaf people. All interpreters are fully qualified and registered and follow a strict code of practice. Unlike other on-line interpreting service providers, SignTranslate does not require the purchase of specialist software. Just a PC with a broadband connection and a simple web-cam is all that's needed. The product is already being used in a number of GP practices and PCTs in England.