Coroner: NHS interpreter gap fails deaf patients

A prevention of further deaths report has been published following the inquest into the death of TikToker Imogen Nunn

The NHS needs more British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters to avoid failing deaf patients, according to a report.

Coroner Penelope Schofield wrote a "national shortage" of BSL interpreters and lack of regulation meant the healthcare system did not meet the needs of deaf patients.

Her comments came in a report following the inquest of deaf TikTok star Imogen Nunn, who took her own life after multiple NHS failings, including not always providing an interpreter during assessments.

An NHS spokesperson said they extended their "deepest sympathies to Imogen's family and friends".

They said: "All NHS services must offer communication support to ensure every patient can fully understand information about their treatment and care, including those using British Sign Language.

"NHS England has recently refreshed its guidance for local organisations, which includes standards for provision of BSL interpreters."

'Long-standing challenges'

Ms Nunn died in Brighton on New Year's Day 2023 after taking a poisonous substance she ordered online.

The 25-year-old raised awareness of hearing and mental health issues on social media, attracting more than 780,000 followers.

The inquest heard she had struggled with her mental health since she was 13.

Ms Schofield wrote in her report she made a "deliberate decision" to take her own life.

But, she added, there were failures by mental health services.

These included not reviewing her care plan following a suicide attempt, failing to put in place safeguard measures after she looked at a pro-suicide website and not having a face-to-face appointment with her in 2022.

The coroner also wrote there was a clear shortage of BSL-proficient medical staff and that "insufficient" efforts were being made to recruit and retain them.

There are not enough medical staff who can sign, said the report

Ms Schofield said this came against a "background of systemic, longstanding and well-documented challenges in the provision of mental health for deaf patients".

She said the shortage of BSL interpreters makes it difficult for patients to be able to communicate their distress when their mental health is deteriorating or they are in crisis.

Under the 2010 Equality Act, health and social care organisations must make reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people are not disadvantaged.

The inquest into Ms Nunn's death itself was adjourned because there were no sign language interpreters for deaf witnesses.

The coroner said the authorities must respond by November to her report with details of what action is being taken or explain why if nothing is being done.

Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms welcomed the coroner's findings and said he hoped ongoing work would lead to greater access to BSL interpretation.

He said the BSL Advisory Board would soon publish a report on the challenges deaf people faced in accessing health and social care.

"Imogen Nunn was a remarkable young woman who gave a great deal to many," he said.

"I extend my condolences to her family, and to all those affected by her tragic death."