BID Services with Deaf people have developed a Specialist Support Service that will enhance the delivery of palliative care to Deaf people.

For the Service's webpage - please click here.

The service, which is funded by the Department of Health under Section 64, will use specialist support staff to enhance communication and provide vital links between Deaf people and their care professionals, creating a more inclusive experience during end of life care.   The move to establish this type of service has been driven by BID’s first hand experience supporting members of the Deaf community during the final stages of life; something Terry Yarnall, Service Development Officer, who helped set up the service has experienced:

“We support a huge range of clients in many situations but few are as emotionally strenuous as end of life care.  You have to be involved to see where the gaps are and fully understand the confusion and isolation some Deaf people experience.

“If Deaf people who require palliative care do not receive the appropriate support common effects of Deafness, such as isolation, fear, stress and a significant lack of understanding as to what is happening to and around them are dramatically increased.  This combination of fear and confusion can make the final stages of life for profoundly Deaf people, stressful, undignified and extremely lonely.”

BID’s ultimate aim is to develop a well rounded and balanced service that provides support for Deaf patients and care professionals, while improving knowledge of Deafness in professional circles by offering educational courses such as Deaf Awareness Training.  It is hoped that this will give the service an extra dimension by offering the opportunity to address the needs of Deaf patients through a learning experience led by Deaf professionals.

Terry went on to say;

“We understand that developing new initiatives is as much about education as it is about the support we can provide, the two really go hand in hand.  If we can improve the level of knowledge then professionals can better understand the service we offer, and in turn, utilise the support to its full capacity.

“We want to work with people in the palliative care field to shape and drive our service forward.  By working together we can make a real difference and create significant, positive changes. ”

In order to ensure that a comprehensive service is provided BID are looking to work alongside a range of palliative care professionals to help shape and guide the services’ evolution.  If you are interested in finding out how you can support this new development or become involved in our working groups please contact:

Anthony Beeby
Campaigns Manager
BID Services with Deaf people
Ladywood Rd
Ladywood
Birmingham
B16 8SZ

Tel: (0121) 246 6188
Email: anthony.beeby@bid.org.uk