Know your rights

We know that deaf people are more likely to experience mental health problems than hearing people. Evidence from Austria suggests that deaf people are also more likely to experience physical health problems.

The frustrating thing is, these illnesses can often be prevented. There is no reason deaf people should have higher rates of hypertension or diabetes, or any other illness. Health services – and particularly health information – do not provide equal treatment for deaf people. That is why SignHealth wants to work with the NHS to make sure there services are accessible and fair. It’s also why we want to work with deaf people to give them important information about healthy living.

If you have a complaint about the service from the NHS there are a number of organisations that can help. There is an Independent Complaints and Advice Service (ICAS) that supports people with complaints. The service is provided by different organisations in different parts of the country. All should be Deaf-aware and supportive. Click on your region below for more details.

East of England
London
West Midlands
North East
North West
Yorkshire & Humberside
East Midlands
South East
South West

We will soon be adding information here on your rights. You can then use this information if you think you have been treated unfairly.