Hundreds of staff at KZN Health learn sign language
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has now trained more than 1,000 of its staff in sign language so they can better communicate with hearing impaired patients.
Some 400 medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, public relations officers (PROs), pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, therapists and paramedics, graduated from their training today.
The total number of sign language proficient staff within the department now stands at 1,100.
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The department says sign language training has proven crucial for PROs and clerks in hospitals, as well as for doctors as it helps them communicate their patients’ diagnoses and therapy-related information.
Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo is a qualified sign language practitioner himself.
The total number of sign language proficient staff within the department now stands at 1,100.
ALSO READ: KZN athlete takes on gruelling challenge for children's water safety initiative
The department says sign language training has proven crucial for PROs and clerks in hospitals, as well as for doctors as it helps them communicate their patients’ diagnoses and therapy-related information.
Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo is a qualified sign language practitioner himself.
Dhlomo says direct communication between the healthcare worker and the patient also helps maintain and restore dignity and confidentiality, as required by the Patient’s Rights Charter.