I'm profoundly deaf and communicate via Irish Sign Language (ISL) so I need an ISL interpreter to support my communication. This is noted on my hospital file. I was frustrated to arrive at my outpatient's appointment recently to find an interpreter had not been arranged. I was left sitting in the waiting room for over an hour. When I approached the staff members on duty, I was pointed at to sit down. Some staff members thought I could hear by shouting at me. I left as I was in pain, couldn't sit anymore and felt no one cared. I felt angry, frustrated and exhausted.
Having an ISL interpreter present would have made a huge difference to my experience. I had hoped to receive my test results and treatment plan but am now left waiting. It would be reassuring for me and other Sign Language users to have confirmation of the interpreters booking in advance.
"The Deaf community need interpreters not to be ignored"
About: Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Outpatients Department Altnagelvin Area Hospital Outpatients Department Londonderry BT47 6SB
Posted by venustc74 (as ),
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