Launching a new British Sign Language Video proposed by our Interpreting and Cultural Insight Team
The Patient Experience team is excited to share a British Sign Language (BSL) video on how to raise a concern or give feedback. The video was co-produced by CommPlus, our Interpreting Agency for BSL. They expressed delight that idea of a video had been proposed by the Interpreting & Cultural Insight Team at BWC, “CommPlus are pleased to work with an NHS Trust who put inclusion at the heart of their care. Accessible information goes beyond the walls of the hospital and extends to BSL translated videos and other information for the community.” 
British Sign Language (BSL) is an official language used in the UK and is the first or preferred language among the Deaf community in the UK. The British Deaf Association estimates there are 151,000 BSL users in the UK, of which 87,000 are Deaf. People who are not deaf may also use BSL, as hearing relatives of deaf people, sign language interpreters or as a result of other contact with the British Deaf community. The language makes use of space and involves movement of the hands, body, face, and head.
Mark Hillier, Senior Patient Experience Manager, noted, “We were delighted to be asked to support research by University of Wolverhampton’s Deaf Studies Department. In discussion we realised that it could be difficult for our Deaf patients to know how they could raise a concern or give us feedback. We had previously worked with CommPlus on awareness training and our Equalities Apprentice was keen to take on the project and work with them to ensure fair access. We are so pleased with the BSL video they are sharing and we are now using”.
Saarah Begum, Equalities Apprentice added, ‘’Being inclusive is a big part of the trust, therefore, we took on this project in order to help make information more accessible to the deaf community who may find it difficult to raise a concern, or give us feedback. I loved working with CommPlus and really hope the video will help as many people as possible. We intend to translate more materials into BSL if this is successful.”