RNID report claims ‘systemic discrimination’ is putting lives at risk

A NEW report published this week (April 24) has accused NHS Wales of widespread failings in care for deaf people and those with hearing loss—failings that campaigners say are not only unlawful, but also putting lives at risk.

The report, titled Still Ignored: The Fight for Accessible Healthcare, was compiled by RNID, a leading charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. It highlights what the organisation describes as a “hidden scandal” affecting more than 300,000 adults across Wales.

Despite clear legal duties under the Equality Act 2010 and a decade-old policy framework—the All Wales Standards for Accessible Communication introduced in 2013—the report finds that deaf people are routinely denied the support they need when accessing NHS services.

Missed standards, missed care

Among the most alarming findings is that more than 7 in 10 (73%) deaf patients and those with hearing loss say they have never been asked about their communication needs in a healthcare setting. This is despite it being a basic requirement under equality law.

Almost 1 in 3 (30%) reported being unable to contact their GP in a way that works for them, such as using text or email instead of a phone. More than 2 in 3 (64%) had difficulty knowing when they were being called from a waiting room, and 42% struggled to communicate symptoms or concerns with staff.

In more serious consequences:

• 8% said they had avoided calling an ambulance or attending A&E due to communication barriers.
• 18% said a health condition worsened because of poor communication.
• 11% believe their health was directly put at risk.

Family as interpreters

More than half of deaf patients (56%) said they had to rely on family or friends to relay medical information, often without professional support. 1 in 4 were denied the communication assistance they asked for outright. RNID warns this not only risks miscommunication, but also strips patients of their right to dignity, privacy, and autonomy in healthcare.

The consequences can be devastating. Kate Boddy, a Child of a Deaf Adult (CODA) from Wales, acted as interpreter for her father, Richard Boddy, when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2022.

She told The Herald: “There’s so little out there in BSL. When Dad got his diagnosis, I had to suppress all my emotions just to translate for him. Even though we knew he was going to pass away, I don’t feel like I ever got to say goodbye.”

Mr Boddy died in November 2023, aged 70.

Staff awareness low

The RNID also surveyed NHS Wales staff and found significant gaps in training and understanding:

• Only 57% knew how to record a patient’s communication needs.
• Fewer than half (48%) knew how to flag those needs in online records.
• Just 17% of staff said they always feel able to meet the communication needs of deaf patients.

Dr Natasha Wilcock, a deaf doctor working in palliative care, said: “Deaf insight training should be compulsory. I’ve met patients who didn’t realise their cancer treatment had ended and that they were receiving end-of-life care. That level of misunderstanding is unacceptable.”

Calls for urgent action

Polly Winn, RNID’s External Affairs Manager in Wales, said: “It is not acceptable for people to leave medical appointments without understanding their diagnosis, or to be forced to share intimate health details with family because NHS Wales won’t provide interpreters.

“This is systematic discrimination—an equality failure that is putting lives at risk. The situation demands urgent reform.”

RNID is calling on the Welsh Government to:

• Reaffirm and enforce the All Wales Standards for Accessible Communication;
• Introduce robust oversight systems to monitor compliance;
• Mandate deaf awareness training for all NHS staff;
• Ensure people with lived experience help shape future reforms.

A spokesperson for NHS Wales said the organisation is reviewing the findings and remains committed to improving access for all patients.

The Welsh Government has not yet issued a response to the report.

A MAN from St Davids is facing serious allegations of domestic abuse, including physical assault and coercive control, spanning more than two years.

Ryan Bowen, aged 44, of Nun Street, appeared in court accused of controlling and abusive behaviour towards his partner between August 2019 and January 2022.

Bowen is alleged to have physically assaulted the woman by slamming a car door on her leg, punching her in the ribs, and pushing her. The court also heard he verbally abused her, belittled her as a mother, and threatened to kill her.

It is further alleged he controlled her finances, dictated what she wore, where she could sleep, and where she was allowed to work.

Prosecutors also claimed he threatened to take her children away and told her he would kill himself if she ever left him.

Bowen has denied the charges.

Judge Paul Thomas KC asked defence barrister Dyfed Thomas whether his client would consider pleading guilty to any lesser charges. Mr Thomas responded that Bowen was “adamant” the allegations were untrue and would not be changing his plea.

A trial has been listed for December 9. Bowen was granted bail until that date.

THE FORMER Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, Richard Lewis, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Mr Lewis, who also led Cleveland Police and held national portfolios for the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), will take up his new role on 16 June 2025. He succeeds Dr Jenny Stewart, who has served as interim Chief Executive since July last year.

The APHA is responsible for safeguarding animal and plant health across the UK, working to protect the environment, support the rural economy, and ensure the UK meets international biosecurity standards.

Mr Lewis said: “It’s a real honour to be appointed Chief Executive of APHA. Now more than ever, the UK needs a strong, science-led Animal and Plant Health Agency.

“From protecting our borders against animal and plant threats to unlocking opportunities for trade and growth, I’m excited to champion APHA’s vital work — and to lead alongside the world-class scientists and experts who make it possible.”

During his policing career, Mr Lewis was awarded a commendation for distinguished service and was widely respected for his leadership on rural affairs in Wales. He has worked on issues including habitat protection, tackling rural crime, and addressing mental health challenges in agricultural communities.

The APHA is an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the Welsh Government and the Scottish Government.