Specialist Palliative Care Support Service

For people with advanced life limiting illnesses the delivery of compassionate palliative care treatment is the most essential part of the end of life process- providing piece of mind, dignity and respect for the patient’s final wishes.

For Deaf, deafened and Hard of Hearing people it can be a very different situation.

As a result of current gaps in services and communication barriers many Deaf people are denied the support they need such as communication support and inclusion in care and medical treatment programmes.

They often lack a full understanding of what is happening to them resulting in isolation, confusion and unnecessary fear.

To address these issues BID has developed a Specialist Care Support Service specifically designed to support terminally ill Deaf people during end of life care.

What are the aims of the Specialist Support Service?

BID’s Specialist Support Service aims to provide a service delivered to the highest possible standard that is sensitive to individual patient needs.

We ensure that people….

• Are given clear information about their condition
• Are treated with dignity and respect
• Receive clear and appropriate communication
• Are fully included in all treatment and care provided

How does the service work?   

The Specialist Care Support Service works to support people by providing vital support through specially trained workers with a compassionate, sensitive and inclusive approach to care delivery.

Education and professional development:

In addition to individual support BID provides educational courses and officially recognised qualifications for care professionals.  Our fully accredited Deaf Awareness Training and BSL courses develop professionals’ career skills and knowledge of….

• Appropriate use of communication methods for Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Deafened and Hard of Hearing people
• The cultural needs of Deaf patients
• The recognition of BSL as a first language