A deaf couple faced discrimination during a heart surgery due to the absence of a sign language interpreter, leading to significant communication issues and the loss of a family member's rights.
A recent report from the Swedish Equality Ombudsman (DO) indicates that a deaf couple experienced discrimination from the Skåne Region when the husband underwent heart surgery. The ombudsman highlighted that no sign language interpreter was present during the operation, which resulted in inadequate communication between the medical staff and the patient. Tragically, after the husband passed away, the medical staff contacted a grandchild instead of his wife, failing to inform her directly about her husband's death.
DO criticized the healthcare system's approach to accommodating the needs of patients with disabilities, emphasizing that although a sign language interpreter was provided a day prior to the surgery, this did not meet the necessary communication requirements on the day of the operation. Additionally, attempts to use video telephony for communication during surgery were deemed insufficient. The ombudsman is now demanding that the region pay a total of 60,000 Swedish kronor in compensation for discrimination, highlighting the importance of appropriate communication access for deaf patients during critical medical procedures.
If the compensation is not paid, the ombudsman has stated that they may pursue legal action against the Skåne Region. This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing adequate medical care and the legal responsibilities of healthcare providers in ensuring effective communication and support for all patients, regardless of their abilities.
