Why was a 16-year-old boy asked to translate for his deaf mother?

The teenager was asked by NHS staff to relay critical medical information, including his grandfather's prognosis and decisions about CPR, to his deaf mother due to a lack of professional British Sign Language interpreters.

What was the outcome of the ombudsman's report regarding the hospital trust?

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman found that the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust failed to comply with national guidance, causing unnecessary distress to deaf patients and their families by not providing adequate interpreter access.

Did the NHS trust provide sufficient BSL interpreters for the deaf mother?

No, the report indicated that the mother only had professional interpreters three times during her father's 11-week hospital stay, despite daily requests.

Home / Health / Teen forced to translate grim news for deaf mom

Teen forced to translate grim news for deaf mom

12 Feb

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Summary

A 16-year-old boy relayed his grandfather's critical condition to his deaf mother.
The mother required daily British Sign Language interpreters, which were often absent.
The hospital trust failed to comply with national guidance on interpreter access.

Teen forced to translate grim news for deaf mom

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust has apologized after a 16-year-old boy was reportedly asked to convey critical medical information to his deaf mother. The teenager had to inform his mother, Jennifer Graham-Petty, that her father, Alan Graham, might not survive the night and that medical staff did not recommend CPR. Ms. Graham-Petty stated that she had to request British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters daily for her father's 11-week hospital stay, with professional interpreters only present three times.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) report highlighted the trust's failure to adhere to national guidelines, leading to unnecessary distress for deaf patients and their families. The ombudsman urged the trust to apologize and consider compensation for Mr. Graham's daughter and grandchildren. This situation underscores ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable patients within the NHS, even as overall waiting lists see a decrease.

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