Charity funds web-based service for deaf

A UK charity is making a web-based communication programme for deaf people available free to GP practices for a year.

SignHealth says all GP practices can access its communication program SignTranslate free of charge until 31 July 2009 by logging on to its website. Practices using the GP IT system EMIS will be able to access the program via an embedded link from the EMIS desktop.

The charity, which focuses on improving the physical and mental health of deaf people, says the SignTranslate program will translate more than 300 medical questions into British Sign Language (BSL) using short video clips.

Steve Powell, chief executive of Sign Health, said: “With only about 400 fully qualified interpreters in England to support approximately 70,000 deaf people who use BSL as their first language, it can be a real challenge arranging a supported doctor's appointment.

"By funding SignTranslate to be free for every GP in England, we hope that every deaf person will be able to see their doctor when they need to. They will attend the consultation with the knowledge that the SignTranslate program will assist communication and additionally provide on-line interpretation."

For more complex consultations SignTranslate also enables access to fully-qualified BSL interpreters via a web-cam at a cost of £2.50 per minute. The program also makes spoken and written translations into 12 foreign languages. Sean Riddell, healthcare managing director of EMIS, said: "We are delighted to work with SignTranslate to increase the reach of this innovative service.

"It will help practices to improve access for not only deaf patients but also those who don't have English as a first language. The year's free funding will be a major incentive for GPs to use the service."

More information including a live demonstration of Sign Translate is available at www.signtranslate.com.

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Signtranslate