Deaf support in contacting Patient Advice and Liaison Team (PALS)

At PALS we’ll listen to your experience and pass on the learning to the appropriate department or team. Have you had an experience with any of our teams that was below your expected standards? Do you have any feedback on how we could improve our work? Or do you want to praise a team’s offered care? We are here to help you.

 

Contact PALS

email: plh-tr.pals@nhs.net

If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, and are unable or prefer not to use email you can:

  • Talk to our Patient Advice and Liaison Team (PALS) using Next Generation Text (NGT) or Text Relay
  • Communicate with us using BSL live video interpreters

 

Talk to us using Next Generation Text or Text Relay

You can make and receive phone calls using Next Generation Text (NGT). This free service uses a relay assistant to convert speech to text and vice versa. This way you’ll type what you want to say into your mobile phone, laptop, tablet or textphone. The relay assistant reads this out to the person on the end of the line and when the person replies, the relay assistant will convert this to text so you can read what they’ve said. If you’re already set up with NGT, this service is automatically linked to your phone number. If not, you can find out how to use the service at www.ngts.org.uk.

 

Talk to us through live BSL interpreters

When you get in touch with us, you can talk to us in British Sign Language (BSL) using a live video interpreter. There is a service called Sign Live who are available 24/7 and provide RS/VRI services for community directory’s, allowing deaf people to call public sector organisations like the NHS for free. They can connect you instantly with interpreters and you don’t need to book calls in advance. For more information please visit: https://signlive.co.uk/

 

University Hospitals Plymouth staff introducing themselves with ‘Hello my name is’

 

Deaf-friendly Standard

Patient Services and Voluntary Services are proud to announce they successfully achieved the Bronze Deaf friendly standard award by the National Deaf Children’s Society. 

Bronze standard

Deaf-friendly standard logo Bronze Bronze demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to being deaf-friendly. It gives you the opportunity to learn and understand the policies, procedures and knowledge that is needed to make sure you are accessible for all deaf children and young people.

Watch the Deaf Friendly Standard Criteria videos

I am Deaf or Hard of Hearing- Here’s how you can help us communicate well together: 

Face me when you speak

Looking directly at me helps me lip-read. Its also how I know you are talking to me!

Speak clearly, not louder

Please don’t shout or exaggerate your lip movements- clear, natural, speech is best.

Getting my attention

A polite wave and a smile go a long way (and even “Hello” in BSL): Please don’t touch me or wave your hand in front of my face- this can be alarming.

I may ask you to repeat yourself

Your understanding is so appreciated! Try rephrasing your whole sentence rather than repeating it/some words louder or multiple times.

If you are wearing a full cloth mask

Try using the ‘Live Transcribe’ App- It turns your speech into text and helps us keep the conversation going. Albeit a bit slower- your patience is appreciated!

I might use sign language

If so, I may have a certified BSL interpreter with me- Please still speak directly to me when talking. Similarly, I can access a certified BSL
interpreter via ‘SignLive’. Scan this QR code for instant access

I am not ignoring you- I just didn’t hear you

Please be patient and kind. Frustration or micro-aggressions only make communication harder.

“What??” when I tell you I am Deaf/HoH is NOT funny

We have heard it a million times- please respond respectfully.

Hearing loss can affect anyone at any time

It is very common, affecting all ages, and is often invisible! I may not see myself as disabled so please include me and treat me with dignity and equality.

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