Films aimed at helping deaf people with diabetes

The series of films premiered in Redruth and will be shown around the UK

A series of new educational films are aiming to help deaf people and those with hearing loss access diabetes information.

The British Sign Language (BSL) films premiered at the Regal Cinema in Redruth and hope to improve understanding of diabetes and help deaf people navigate healthcare services.

They were produced by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (NHSCIOS), Diabetes UK, Hearing Loss Cornwall and members of the deaf community and will be shown across the UK by health professionals.

NHSCIOS said an estimated one in five people in the region are deaf or have some level of hearing loss while Diabetes UK said around 48,000 in the county live with diabetes.

'No one is left behind'

Dr Chris Reid, chief medical officer for NHSCIOS, said it could be "a huge challenge" for people who are deaf or live with hearing loss to access health information.

He said: "By creating these films in British Sign Language we are not only breaking down barriers, we are helping to make sure that no one is left behind when it comes to understanding, managing and living well with diabetes.

"This is about doing healthcare differently – because everyone deserves the same chance to live a healthy life."

Chris Gould who has type 2 diabetes and is deaf said: "Having information in BSL, at last, is exciting for the deaf community, as it shows that the needs of the deaf community are being taken seriously.

"It's been long awaited, and I hope we can develop more to include deaf people to bring long overdue equality."