NHS Lothian has launched a new consultation to better understand what high-quality healthcare services look like for Deaf and Deafblind children, young people and their families, both in community settings and in hospitals. The feedback gathered will help shape future improvements across services.
The consultation is being delivered in partnership with key organisations including the British Deaf Association, Deaf Action, Lothian Children’s Deaf Club, and the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE).
Who can take part?
The consultation is open to:
- Professionals who support Deaf and Deafblind children and young people
- Deaf and Deafblind children and young people
- Families of Deaf and Deafblind children and young people
- Qualified Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People (QToDs)
Get involved!
There are two main ways to share your experiences and views:
1. Online survey
Participants can complete an online survey, which is open until 30 June.
- The survey is available in written English and British Sign Language (BSL).
- Responses can also be submitted in BSL via video by sending recordings on WhatsApp to 07595 453318.
- All BSL responses will be translated into English by a Deaf BSL translator.
2. Focus groups
You can also take part in a focus group to share your experiences in more detail.
Confirmed focus group dates below:
- Friday 12th June, 7pm – 8.30pm, at Lothian Children’s Deaf Club at One Dalkeith, 21 Eskdail Court, Dalkeith, EH22 1AG
- Thursday 18th June, 11am – 12.30pm, at Deaf Action, 49 Albany St, Edinburgh
- Thursday 18th June, 6pm – 7.30pm, online
- Friday 19th June, 11am – 12pm, online
To register your interest, email: loth.getinvolved@nhs.scot.
If you are unable to attend a focus group but would still like to contribute, you can contact the team at the same email address to discuss alternative ways of taking part.
This consultation aims to capture real experiences to better understand what works well and where improvements are needed. Insights gathered will play a vital role in shaping more inclusive, accessible and effective healthcare services for Deaf and Deafblind children and young people across the region.
Watch this BSL video to learn how the information you provide when completing the survey will be kept private:
