AQW 49442/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 23/06/2026
Answered On Date: 16/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any support and pathways that are available for deaf patients who require a diagnosis and treatment of dementia.

Answer:

Individuals in the d/Deaf community can access dementia diagnosis in line with the Regional Dementia Care Pathway 2018, similar to the general population. Access is typically via referral from primary care to specialist memory clinics or Older People’s Mental Health services.

HSC Trusts are required to ensure that patient pathways are accessible, including the provision of appropriate communication supports throughout assessment and diagnosis. For individuals who are d/Deaf, equitable access including appropriate communication support will be available including the provision of British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreters, hearing loop systems, assistive technology and information in accessible format. My Department commissions the Regional Communication Support Service, via an organisation called Sign Language Interactions (SLI). This service provides BSL and ISL face to face and video remote interpreters for HSC staff to support their communication with d/Deaf and d/Deafblind individuals for all health and social care contacts as required.

All HSC services are expected to adopt a person-centred approach that takes account of communication needs, this ensures that d/Deaf individuals can fully engage in their care and treatment. Ongoing work across the HSC system aims to improve accessibility, inclusivity, and awareness to better support the d/Deaf community throughout the dementia care pathway.