21 Jul 2020
Staff at the multidisciplinary referral centre in Essex have been learning sign language and using transparent face coverings to help members of the D/deaf community.
James Westgate
Job Title
Daniel Hogan and Sarah Stam.
Southfields Veterinary Specialists in Essex has introduced a raft of measures to support its deaf clients and combat the adverse effects of face coverings.
The Laindon-based practice has trained team members in sign language, as well as introducing see-through face masks in a bid to ensure clients who are deaf or have hearing issues do not suffer by the introduction of face masks.
Leading deaf charities have warned the growing use of face coverings – which are compulsory in hospitals and vet practices – is causing communication difficulties among the 12 million people in the UK who are deaf or have some form of hearing loss.
Daniel Hogan – hospital director at Southfields, which is part of Linnaeus – said the referral centre acted swiftly as part of its adaption to COVID-19.
He said: “With the easing of restrictions, we are now able to welcome more clients to the hospital; however, it is clear those with hearing issues can be really affected by the use of face coverings, as they rely heavily on visual clues for effective communication.
“I am actually unilateral deaf myself, so am already a British Sign Language level three signer and I am providing basic training to members of our team.”
Another element of Southfields’ drive to support the D/deaf community is the introduction of transparent face coverings for team members, which will enable lip reading.
Dr Hogan added: “We’re aware facial expressions and lip reading are pivotal to the way we communicate – especially in what can be an emotive time for our clients as their beloved pets are given specialist medical treatment.
“We’ve brought in a range of see-through face coverings, so our clients can not only communicate via signing, but also see our team members’ faces clearly as we discuss important elements of their pets’ care and treatment.”
Southfields has also introduced socially distanced appointments for people with hearing issues.
Dr Hogan said: “Video calls have been a great help to us in continuing to provide vital assessments and treatment of patients throughout lockdown, but we want to make things as easy as possible for our clients with hearing issues.
“Because of that we’re able to offer them appointments within the hospital and eliminate any possible challenges video calls might present.”
