A deaf patient who pulled a cancerous tumour out of his own mouth has highlighted communication barriers.
John Barrett shared his story in a video conversation with a member of staff, detailing his experiences navigating his cancer journey.
He discussed both the positive and challenging aspects of his care, highlighting where communication gaps previously impacted his access to information and services before the issues were finally addressed.
He said: “Most doctors never like face-to-face with a patient but for me it can’t be a video for me as I don’t understand them and they don’t understand me. Communication breaks down. I need to be in a room for a three-way conversation with me, a doctor and an interpreter.
“The doctor doesn’t know what is wrong without checking this.
“I felt there was something not right and it had to be by video as I had no choice. I needed to get antibiotics as it was an infection. Two weeks later I saw the nurse and it was still an infection.
“But I had breathing problems and knew something was wrong. I pulled out a tumour and blood was pouring out of my mouth. I went to the hospital and was told two weeks later I had cancer.
“If it had been caught early it would have saved chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery.
“I don’t blame the doctor, they just need some more deaf awareness.
“All doctors and receptionists need some deaf awareness and I need face-to-face not a video as communication breaks own.
“Face-to-face with an interpreter you can understand but on video you can’t.
“For a five minute appointment I need an interpreter.
“If you did not have this interpreter service in the NHS service, I would really have struggled and mental health could go through the roof.
“One call from the hospitals can organise everything.”
John’s account underscores the importance of the health board’s Sign Language Plan in addressing these needs and helping them identify and overcome barriers faced by BSL users.
The Scottish Government published the second BSL National Plan 2023 – 2029 last November.
The BSL National Plan 2023 – 2029 has been intentionally designed in a way that allows the Scottish Government to have flexibility in the way they implement the plan so that they can adapt to changes in priorities and address any new issues that may arise during the six year period.
It was advised that listed authorities may also adopt this approach, enabling them to build on the policies and practices they are already doing or those that work best in their local context, however there is no set requirement for this approach.
NHS Forth Valley have a close working relationship with their local authority colleagues and as such wanted to work in partnership to develop a Joint BSL Plan.
This would enhance integration and reduce potential overlap and duplication of service delivery and support to collaboratively meet their statutory obligations to the BSL community.
Furthermore, their BSL community – through their consultation process – also indicated that a joint plan would be their preferred approach to make it more accessible and less overwhelming.
NHS Forth Valley did reach out to extend the offer of partnership working to both Stirling Council and Clackmananshire Council, however at this point they have opted to continue with individual plans.