County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is hosting a dedicated engagement event to hear directly from members of the Deaf and deafened community, with the aim of shaping more inclusive and accessible services.

Venue: Boardroom Trust Headquarters, University Hospital of North Durham, North Road, Durham, DH1 5TW

Date: Tuesday 20 May

Time: 1–4pm

The event will bring together a wide range of voices including representatives from Deaf and deafened community support groups, NHS England, the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), and social workers who support patients with hearing loss.

The key objectives of the session include:

  • Listening to lived experiences

  • Identifying service improvement opportunities

  • Embedding effective interpreter processes

  • Strengthening partnership working across sectors

By working collaboratively, we aim to ensure healthcare services are responsive to the needs of the Deaf and deafened community.

We welcome anyone with lived experience or an interest in this important work to attend. Together, we can build more inclusive care for all.