Deaf cancer patient felt doctors ‘fobbed him off’ until he pulled a tumour from his own throat

A Deaf man who removed a tumour from his own throat has spoken out about feeling neglected by doctors until the alarming incident forced him to act. John Barrett, who relies on British Sign Language (BSL) to communicate, shared his harrowing experience with NHS Forth Valley in an effort to shed light on the challenges faced by Deaf individuals in accessing healthcare.

In a video shared with the NHS Forth Valley board, John recounted his struggle to secure a face-to-face appointment with a GP, feeling he was being dismissed and overlooked. He expressed the inadequacy of video calls for Deaf patients, emphasising the need for clear, in-person communication facilitated by interpreters to ensure effective consultations.

John revealed that despite his persistent concerns and multiple appointments, it wasn’t until he took matters into his own hands and extracted a tumour from his throat that he was properly diagnosed with cancer. Reflecting on the delayed diagnosis, he regretted the possibility of avoiding extensive treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy if the condition had been caught earlier.

Acknowledging the invaluable support he received from the Disability, Equality and Access Service at Forth Valley Sensory Centre in Falkirk post-diagnosis, John highlighted the essential role of interpreter services in facilitating healthcare access for Deaf individuals. He stressed the critical need for healthcare providers to enhance Deaf awareness and implement systems that cater to the specific communication needs of BSL users.

Despite the positive impact of local services, John urged for their expansion to ensure round-the-clock availability, considering the significant reliance of Deaf communities on such support. His plea for improved accessibility and support for Deaf individuals resonated with the NHS Forth Valley board members, who recognised the importance of heightened Deaf awareness within healthcare services.

The collaborative efforts between NHS Forth Valley and Falkirk Council, as outlined in their updated BSL Plan, aim to address the gaps identified by individuals like John and enhance accessibility for the Deaf community. John’s advocacy for inclusive healthcare practices underscores the ongoing need for tailored support and heightened awareness to ensure equitable healthcare provision for all individuals, irrespective of their communication needs.

In conclusion, John Barrett’s courageous testimony underscores the pressing need for healthcare systems to prioritise Deaf awareness and inclusivity to guarantee equitable access and quality care for all patients. His journey serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Deaf individuals in navigating healthcare systems and emphasises the crucial role of tailored support services in promoting health equity and well-being within diverse communities.