Communicating with the doctor

Sometimes going to see a doctor can be difficult, especially if you’re deaf!

Your doctor might turn away when they’re talking to you, or you might not hear the receptionist when they call your name.

It’s really important that you can communicate with your doctor so you don’t miss out on important information about your health. Doctors and nurses should have basic deaf awareness training to help them communicate clearly, but you might still have to remind them about the support you need.

You could also send them this link with tips for health professionals: https://signhealth.org.uk/resources/learn-about-deafness/tips-for-communicating-with-deaf-patients/

1. When you arrive for your appointment, tell the receptionist your name and the time of your appointment. Make sure they know you’re deaf. Alternatively, some surgeries have an electronic screen which you can use to sign in.
2. If you’ve asked for an interpreter for your appointment, ask the receptionist to check that the interpreter has been booked.
3. If you won’t hear staff when they call you, find out if the surgery has a visual or vibrating alert system. For example, some surgeries have electronic boards which will show your name when it’s your turn to be seen. If not, ask reception staff to come and get you when it’s your turn to be seen.
4. Ask your doctor to face you when they’re talking. Ask them to speak clearly and at a normal pace.
5. If you haven’t understood something, ask them to repeat or rephrase it until you understand.
6. If your doctor is wearing a face mask, you might find it harder than usual to understand them. Ask them to write things down if you need.
7. Don’t just nod and smile! Remember how important it is that you get this information.
8. If there’s a question you need to ask, write it down before your appointment to help you remember it.
9. If your doctor tells you they’re going to refer you to the hospital or another service, remind them to make a note on the referral letter that you need an interpreter so that the hospital books one for your appointment.
10. Take notes or ask your doctor to print off any information you need to know.

SignHealth has template letters you can give to health services to help them understand how to meet your communication needs. It’s your right to access healthcare!