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Health Services and Social Services: Hearing Impairment

Asked by Lee AndersonReform UKDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 19 November 2025UIN 78570

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions he has had with deaf people on their experience of (a) the healthcare system and (b) social care.

Answered by Dr Zubir Ahmed

Both my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and I meet regularly with external sector partners on a variety of issues, including those who represent the deaf community.

In May 2025, my Rt Hon. Friend attended a constituency event marking Deaf Awareness Week, which was held by the Empowering Deaf Society. At the event, my Rt Hon. Friend heard from deaf people about the challenges faced by their community. Further information on the event is available at the following link:

https://liamodell.com/2025/05/07/wes-streeting-health-secretary-social-care-deaf-bsl-british-sign-language-parliament-empowering-deaf-society-stephen-timms-disabled-people-deaf-awareness-week/

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