5 rights
NHS, audiology & health appointments
Communication support in healthcare, audiology pathways and emergency access.
Interpreters for health appointments
NHS services should book qualified BSL interpreters or other communication support when needed so you can give consent and understand care — not rely on family members by default.
Ref: NHS Accessible Information Standard | Equality Act
What to do: Request an interpreter when you book; confirm 48 hours before the appointment.
Accessible Information Standard
In England, health and adult social care providers must identify and meet information/communication needs, including for deaf patients.
Ref: NHS England Accessible Information Standard
What to do: Ask reception to record: preferred language (e.g. BSL), interpreter need, SMS not phone.
Audiology & hearing aids
NHS audiology provides assessment and hearing aids where clinically appropriate. Waiting times vary by area.
Ref: NHS audiology services
What to do: Ask your GP for an audiology referral if not already under a clinic.
Mental health access
Deaf people can face barriers in mainstream talking therapies. Ask for BSL-accessible mental health support or specialist services where available.
Ref: NHS talking therapies | local deaf mental health services
What to do: Tell the service you need BSL or captions when you self-refer.
Emergencies
In an emergency call 999. If you cannot speak, the emergencySMS / text service may be available if you have pre-registered where required. Follow current GOV.UK / emergency services guidance for your nation.
Ref: emergencySMS / 999 guidance
What to do: Check and register for emergencySMS if you rely on text; keep written medical info on your phone.