Deaf Patient's Weekend Hospital Ordeal Highlights Communication Barriers

A recent incident at a US hospital brought to light the challenges faced by deaf individuals in accessing healthcare services. Daphne Vasquez, a deaf patient, experienced significant pain and required immediate medical attention. However, due to the hospital's lack of an interpreter service on weekends, communication with medical staff proved difficult. Her caretaker, Bay Kennish, voiced her concerns, stating, "So deaf people shouldn't get hurt on the weekends?" This highlights the systemic issue of limited accessibility for deaf patients, particularly during off-peak hours. Hospital staff acknowledged the problem, explaining that they "don't have a contract with an interpreter service on the weekends." This incident underscores the need for hospitals to improve communication access for deaf patients, ensuring appropriate services are available regardless of the day or time. The incident serves as a reminder for healthcare facilities to prioritize inclusive practices and address the communication needs of all patients.