University research report impacts on access to health care for deaf people in Wolverhampton.

In spring 2018 a joint report by Faculty of Social Sciences researchers (Sarah Bown and Kristiaan Dekesel) and Healthwatch Wolverhampton, on the access to health and social care services for Deaf and hard of hearing people in Wolverhampton, was made available to the public.

Since the publication of the report, the 23 recommendations have been followed up by Healthwatch Wolverhampton and Zebra Access, a local deaf charity dedicated to ensuring that all Deaf people enjoy equal participation and access without communication barriers.

"We were delighted to have had the opportunity to work together with Healthwatch Wolverhampton and it is great to gradually see the recommendations becoming a reality for deaf people in Wolverhampton." Sarah Bown

A Deaf Health Forum is now available to deaf people and at a recent event in Low Hill Community Centre, Healthwatch Wolverhampton, Zebra Access and representatives from the Clinical Commissioning Group considered and discussed the report’s recommendations.

“What a fabulous turn out at the Deaf Health Forum! Lots of useful feedback from community and professionals. Looking forward to the next forum in January!” Zebra Access

Further steps will be taken by both Healthwatch Wolverhampton and Zebra Access to enable an open dialogue between those providing services and the end users.

"Ultimately it is about ensuring equal access to health care for deaf people, an access, which many of us have come to take for granted." Kristiaan Dekesel