Written Question · S4W-06202 · Session 4
What provisions the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service puts in place for (a) deaf blood donors who use British Sign Language, (b) …
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what provisions the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service puts in place for (a) deaf blood donors who use British Sign Language, (b) deafblind people and (c) people with an acquired profound hearing loss.
The answer
As with donors with any type of disability, the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) strives to make reasonable adjustments to its services based on individual needs. The Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005 state that the UK Blood Services have a responsibility to ensure that all donors must fully understand the donation process and give valid consent to the process and to the testing of their blood for diseases that may affect its suitability for use.
The UK Donor Selection Guidelines offer guidance on the use of interpreters which would include, for example, an interpreter of British Sign Language. It is permissible for any third party interpreter to act as an enabler by helping to reassure the donor and to assist in establishing effective communication between the donor and the qualified health professional. The third party must not, however, be present during any exchange of confidential information, unless they are not personally known to the donor and understand the requirements of the relevant part of the regulations. Confidential parts of the process include the evaluation of the health and medical history questionnaire, the medical interview and the obtaining of valid consent. Any third party, with the permission of the donor, may accompany the donor through other parts of the donation process that do not include the exchange of confidential information.
For those donors who are wholly or partially deaf, SNBTS conducts the interview in the most confidential way possible. SNBTS has a written protocol to explain the donation process and risks associated with giving blood. SNBTS can also provide assistance in completing the forms.
For those donors who are blind, the donor health check will be read to the person by the member of staff undertaking the donor screening, in the most confidential way possible. An audio version of the donor information leaflet is also available on CD and on the SNBTS website. This leaflet is also available in a Braille version.
The UK Donor Selection Guidelines offer guidance on the use of interpreters which would include, for example, an interpreter of British Sign Language. It is permissible for any third party interpreter to act as an enabler by helping to reassure the donor and to assist in establishing effective communication between the donor and the qualified health professional. The third party must not, however, be present during any exchange of confidential information, unless they are not personally known to the donor and understand the requirements of the relevant part of the regulations. Confidential parts of the process include the evaluation of the health and medical history questionnaire, the medical interview and the obtaining of valid consent. Any third party, with the permission of the donor, may accompany the donor through other parts of the donation process that do not include the exchange of confidential information.
For those donors who are wholly or partially deaf, SNBTS conducts the interview in the most confidential way possible. SNBTS has a written protocol to explain the donation process and risks associated with giving blood. SNBTS can also provide assistance in completing the forms.
For those donors who are blind, the donor health check will be read to the person by the member of staff undertaking the donor screening, in the most confidential way possible. An audio version of the donor information leaflet is also available on CD and on the SNBTS website. This leaflet is also available in a Braille version.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-06202 by reference.