In a recent development concerning the welfare of patients with hearing impairments, a council in west London has issued an apology after it failed to provide sufficient support for a deaf individual receiving care who required British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has not only acknowledged its shortcomings in this matter but has also agreed to compensate the man’s granddaughter with a payment of £450 and to „review its processes“ regarding the availability of BSL interpreters.
Investigation Findings
The Local Government Ombudsman identified multiple deficiencies in the services rendered by the council. Notably, staff at a facility referred to as Care Home B did not possess training in BSL, which was a critical requirement for the patient’s care.
A spokesperson for the council expressed a sincere apology to the family, emphasizing that steps are being taken to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
Care Plan Details
According to reports from the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the individual in question, known as Mr. Y, suffered from several health issues, was profoundly deaf, and communicated through sign language. His primary caregiver was his daughter, Ms. Z, while his granddaughter, Miss X, holds qualifications as a BSL interpreter.
In March 2024, Mr. Y was discharged from a hospital and subsequently engaged in a care plan that recognized BSL as his first language and specified the need for a BSL interpreter. However, due to challenges in locating caregivers with the necessary skills, Ms. Z was often required to facilitate communication between Mr. Y and the care staff.
Issues with Care Home
By September 2024, Care Home B reported to the council that they had consulted with Mr. Y’s family and were prepared to accommodate him, contingent upon the provision of BSL outreach support. The care plan indicated that staff at the care home should acquire basic BSL training, yet the home asserted that they had not received any training in BSL or deaf awareness.
Following Mr. Y’s transfer to another care home in December 2024, he was readmitted to the hospital shortly thereafter, where he later passed away. During this timeframe, Miss X had lodged several complaints with the council regarding her grandfather’s care.
Next Steps for the Council
To address the issues raised, the council has agreed on a series of corrective actions, including issuing an apology to Miss X, providing her with financial compensation, and reevaluating its policies related to the provision of BSL interpreters.
A spokesperson for Hammersmith and Fulham Council reiterated, „We wholeheartedly apologize to the family. Finding specialist British Sign Language and deaf relay interpreters for care homes can be very challenging, and we’re dedicated to ensuring this situation does not repeat itself.“
Bildquelle: Foto von Jay Alexander auf Unsplash
