"Poor consultation experience for BSL user"

I accompanied my relative who is totally deaf without speech to an appointment with a consultant  in the General Surgery (excl vascular) clinic.   A British Sign Language Interpreter was also present.

They were extremely stressed having suffering for some four years in great pain.  With this in mind she wanted to ensure she was communicating her symptoms and the effect these were having on her daily life.  This is very difficult for the deaf and they do tend to repeat themselves to ensure they are being understood.  I could see and I know how she has, and still is suffering, that she was almost close to tears trying to emphasise what is happening with her.

It became quite obvious that it was taking too much time, with the consultant eventually saying they were going round in circles and had another 10 patients to see.  Again, it was obvious the appointment was at it's end.

While I do understand this and I also understand the pressure the NHS is under, it is not my relative's fault they do not share the same language.  I found their disability was dismissed.

 Information from the NHS Scotland Interpreting, Communication Support and Translation National Policy:

NHS staff should be aware that people who require interpreting can find it difficult to access language support in the health service, leading them to experience inequitable access to health services and information

They need to be identified quickly by staff so that appropriate language and support can be put in place

They may not understand information written in English

They may experience greater communication difficulties in stressful or emotional situations

They will also have difficulty understanding written healthcare information and messages

I would say the last three in particular require to be communicated and understood when dealing with the deaf community.

I would also say again I completely understand the pressures of time restraints and can understand the consultant's frustration, however, our disabled community deserve better.

I did make the suggestion that perhaps a double appointment would be better, with which they agreed.  Is this possible to avoid this situation recurring?