Deaf Community

Deaf Awareness During Covid-19

We are working with D/deaf and Hard of Hearing patients to raise awareness of what it’s like to go to hospital during Covid-19. This video covers some of the feedback we’ve received and what we're doing to help.

PALS Text Phone 

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) now have a text phone. The number is 07468 753 025. For more information on PALS click here

Otter Transcription app

Following Government guidance that all hospital staff must wear face masks, it has become clear that this puts some of our patients at a disadvantage, particularly Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients who rely on lip reading and facial expressions to communicate.

The Trust iPads on the wards now have an app called Otter.ai. The app converts speech into text so information can be transcribed for patients who are Deaf or have a hearing impairment.

Befriending Service

We have set up a Befriending service for patients who use BSL who are inpatients and who are feeling isolated. On each ward the Patient Experience Team have provided an ipod with the JusTalk app. To connect to our friendly BSL interpreters, please contact ask a member off staff to contact the Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People on 0113 246 9990 to arrange a chat.

Communications Tips

Communication Tactics for Family and Friends

Wearing Masks with a Hearing Aid

Useful Links

PALS - For general enquiries or concerns regarding Leeds Hospitals' services.

SignHealth also have a text service for Deaf people experiencing mental health crisis.

DeafPlus has a national online helpline staffed by trained advisors – both  BSL and text available.