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A deaf woman has been forced to change dentist after not being able to access a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter. Natasha Fowler, 24, has been an NHS patient at South Cliff dentist in Coombe Road, Moulsecoomb, for three years. During that time, Ms Fowler, from Haywards Heath, has requested a BSL interpreter for her appointments.
However, she has not been provided with one. READ MORE: Woman became partially paralysed while washing her hair in the shower She is now suffering from a wisdom tooth causing pain, which is impacting her cochlear implant. Natasha’s mother, Sam Fowler, said: “My daughter is in so much pain.
“She is 25 in a few months. She needs a wisdom tooth taken out. “We asked if they could refer her, they said they couldn’t do it.
“She can’t wear her cochlear implant anymore because it’s affecting it. “She can’t eat properly and she can’t lay on her face to go to sleep. Sam Fowler, left, and her daughter Natasha, right (Image: Supplied) “It’s affecting her day-to-day life.
“I’ve managed to find a private dentist but she shouldn’t have to pay. “My daughter can’t go on like this. “She wants to be independent and she can’t.
" Sam contacted Healthwatch East Sussex who told her that the dentist needed to provide a BSL interpreter or show evidence that they have considered options. In an email response seen by The Argus, South Cliff told Sam it was “escalating the matter to the relevant channels” in January. The email reads: “We are committed to ensuring that all patients, including your daughter and other members of the Deaf community, have access to the dental care they need.
“As part of this process, we will be seeking further information on current provisions and what steps can be taken to improve accessibility.” Sam said she has now found another dentist for her daughter to attend as an NHS patient where she can access a BSL interpreter. South Cliff Dental Group in Moulsecoomb and the NHS have been approached for comment.
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