Working in partnership with Disability Together, the Royal Devon recently held an interactive event aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and inclusion for the Deaf community. The session, attended by a group of 16 – 25 year-olds from the Deaf Academy in Exmouth, gave young people the opportunity to share their lived experiences of using health services.

Tracy Duckmanton, Patient Experience Manager, said “We’re committed engaging meaningfully with our local communities. By listening to the people who use our services, we can better understand their diverse health needs and make improvements to tackle health inequalities”.

The feedback received has been invaluable, and is helping the Trust to better understand the barriers deaf people can face. From booking appointments and attending outpatient clinics, to accessing emergency care and staying in hospital.

Share your feedback 

If you, or someone you know is Deaf and uses Royal Devon health services, please share our DEAF patient accessibility survey with them.

There is a British Sign Language (BSL) video introducing the survey available here.

All insights from the local Deaf community will be used to inform future improvements across the Royal Devon’s services, and help to create a more accessible and inclusive experience for all.