Payout over sign language failure for man in care

"His daughter, Ms Z, was his main carer. Miss X, his granddaughter, is a qualified BSL interpreter. In March 2024, Mr Y was discharged from hospital following which he received a care plan. It noted that his first language was BSL and that he required a BSL interpreter although, because of difficulties finding carers with such skills, Ms Z was asked to help them communicate with Mr Y."

"The care plan said care home staff should learn basic BSL skills, but the home said it had received no training in BSL or deaf awareness. In December 2024, Mr Y was transferred back to another care home shortly after which he was admitted to hospital, where he died. During this period Miss X had complained to the council on various points regarding her grandfather's care."

The Local Government Ombudsman found multiple faults in Hammersmith and Fulham council's care for a profoundly deaf man who used British Sign Language (BSL). His care plan, after discharge from hospital in March 2024, recorded BSL as his first language and required an interpreter, but carers with BSL skills were difficult to source and family members were asked to help. A care home agreed to accept him only if BSL outreach support was provided, and the plan said staff should learn basic BSL, yet staff received no BSL or deaf-awareness training. The man was transferred in December 2024, later admitted to hospital, and died. The council apologised, agreed to pay £450 to the man's granddaughter and to review its interpreter processes.

Read at www.bbc.com