A deaf couple waited two hours for a BSL interpreter at a Northern Ireland hospital, sparking an apology and calls for better access.

A deaf couple in Northern Ireland said hospital staff at Causeway Hospital didn’t know what a British Sign Language interpreter was, leading to a two-hour wait without support during an emergency visit. Despite prior notification, staff asked, “What is a BSL interpreter?” and failed to provide one, causing distress. The Northern Trust apologized, pledged staff reminders and lanyards for patients needing communication help, and acknowledged the NHS’s legal duty to ensure access. Advocates and families are pushing for mandatory training, better booking systems, and sign language education to address ongoing barriers in healthcare.