Children’s Hospital team hit the books to learn British Sign Language
Teams at our Children’s Hospital have benefitted from an opportunity to learn sign language as they strive to offer the very best care and support for patients and families.
Colleagues came together recently to attend a special event hosted by CommPlus that included sessions to learn and practice letters, numbers and key phrases.
Did you know there are more than 300 different types of sign language and within them there are different dialects and varieties in use of signs depending on what part of the country the language user is from?
Helen, a deaf interpreter and her hearing interpreter Rachel, alongside assistance dog Samson, hosted the event on behalf of CommPlus, which was attended by staff from both clinical and non-clinical roles.
Affefa Tambe Cancer Services Coordinator said: “I thought the event was really informative and it helped me understand cultural barriers between the deaf community and hearing community, as well as how we can be aware of issue, helping us work through and around them to make sure we are communicating with patients in the best way possible.”
As someone who is deaf, Helen, also shared with the group some ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ around on interaction with deaf people. Rachel shared with the group what routes they can go down to become fluent in British Sign Language (BSL)
Waheeda Rahman, International Nurse Educator and Pastoral Support, said: “It has been really insightful to get to know some British Sign Language and how we can use it in practice.”
The group had the opportunity to reflect on scenarios they have had within their job role and how with this new skill they will be more fit to deal with them.
Adele, a student nurse who attended the session said: “ I found the session really interesting. It was overwhelming, but in such a positive light. It really puts perspective on how other people live and what we need to do as a society to help other people feel comfortable.”