All mental health staff working with deaf people should learn sign language, government announces

February 28, 2005
by staff reporter

All mental health staff working with deaf people should be taught sign language, the government has announced.

Sign language translation should also be available in every GP practice

The recommendations were contained in best practice guidance issued by ministers. It sets out how the government plans to improve mental health services for deaf people.

The government said it hopes primary care trusts will pay for the new services with £2.5 million it has allocated specifically.

The Department of Health guidance document also includes the recommendation that front-line NHS staff being given deaf-awareness training.

Research indicates there is a higher rate of mental health problems among deaf people compared to hearing people.

Some studies have reported that 40 per cent of deaf children have mental health problems, compared to 25 per cent of hearing children.

Deaf people with mental health problems are also over-represented in prisons and the criminal justice system.

On issuing the guidance last week Health Minister Rosie Winterton said: "This document brings into focus the needs of individuals whose access to mental health services have for too long been patchy.

"Many deaf people with mental health problems have not had their needs properly catered for by existing mental health services.

"The implementation of this guidance should result in a real improvement in the lives of deaf people with mental health problems."

Read for yourself:
Department of Health guidance: Mental Health and Deafness - Towards Equity and Access: Best Practice Guidance (pdf)

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