UK
New guidance for providing better mental health services for deaf people in NHS
By Ashwin, UK Correspondent
Feb 23, 2005, 20:08

The NHS must provide specialised services for deaf people with mental health problems, such as a sign language translation in every GP practice, according to new guidance published today by the Department of Health.

The guidance, Towards Equity and Access: Mental Health and Deafness sets out how mental health services for Deaf people can be improved using the template of the National Service Framework for Mental Health as a starting point, and is supported by �2.5 million of funding for PCTs. Recommendations include:

front-line NHS staff being given deaf-awareness training;
child protection committees reviewing their procedures to ensure that Deaf children�s needs are being met;
every primary care facility having access to sign language translation services;
staff in mental health facilities being encouraged to learn sign language.
There is a higher incidence of mental health problems among Deaf people compared to the hearing population - studies show that 40 per cent of Deaf children have mental health problems, compared to 25 per cent of hearing children. Many Deaf people suffer from social exclusion and reduced educational and employment opportunities, and there are well-documented links between this and mental health problems. Deaf people with mental health problems are also over-represented in prisons and the criminal justice system.

Health minister Rosie Winterton said:

"A society is judged on how it treats its most vulnerable members. Deaf people who also have mental health problems are a group who really need our help, our support, and services that are specifically designed around their needs.

"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. This document will change that.

"I hope this document will change that. We have made �2.5 million available for the NHS to put in place the changes recommended in this document, and the implementation of this guidance should result in a real improvement in the lives of deaf people with mental health problems.

"We are committed to improving mental health services for everyone, and reducing social exclusion wherever possible."

Welcoming the guidance, Steve Powel, Chief Executive ofSign, the mental health charity for Deaf people, said:

"Mental health services for Deaf people have traditionally been far from adequate. That's why Sign welcomes these recommendations as a major step forward in recognising that Deaf people have special needs when it comes to accessing appropriate mental health care, and redressing this imbalance. This guidance shows how we can improve mental health services for Deaf people so they are no longer discriminated against and receive proper care."

Sally Austen, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at South Birmingham Mental Health Trust, said:

"The guidance reflects the special needs of Deaf people with mental health problems, who have previously received care that was discriminatory and insufficient. That is why it is so important that these recommendations are implemented thoroughly."

Paul Tarbuck, Service Manager at Bolton, Salford and Trafford Mental Health Service also said:

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