In a powerful demonstration of patient-centered care and disability advocacy, Ms. Gifty Akosua Adzigbey, a Public Health Nurse and Mandela Washington Fellow, has once again stepped beyond her traditional duties to ensure that no patient is left behind due to communication barriers.
On January 13, 2026, Ms. Adzigbey, who is a dedicated advocate for disability inclusion, took official leave from her duties to personally accompany a client, Mr. Enchill Kwasi, to the hospital.
Mr. Kwasi, a member of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, had been battling a persistent illness for approximately six months.
Breaking the Silence in Healthcare
Navigating a healthcare system can be daunting for anyone, but for the Deaf community, the lack of sign language interpreters in hospitals often leads to misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment.
Recognising this gap, Ms. Adzigbey acted as Mr. Kwasi’s bridge to quality care. During the visit, she accompanied him into the consulting room to provide real-time interpretation between the patient and the physician.
Her expertise was particularly vital in the laboratory, where she used sign language and physical demonstrations to guide Mr. Kwasi through the specific process of producing a sputum sample for a Tuberculosis (TB) test—a procedure that requires clear instruction for accurate results.
She concluded the hospital visit at the pharmacy, ensuring Mr. Kwasi fully understood his medication dosage and requirements.
A Commitment to Continuity of Care
For Ms. Adzigbey, the duty of a nurse does not end at the hospital gates. Following the clinical visit, she has continued to support Mr. Kwasi through voluntary home visits and regular phone check-ups. This commitment ensures “continuity of care,” verifying that the patient is responding well to treatment and adhering to his medical regimen while at home.
A Call for Accessibility
Reflecting on the day’s events, Ms. Adzigbey noted that her actions were driven by a passion to see the Deaf community thrive in an environment of equal access.
“This is where true passion leads,” she stated. “Together, let us break communication barriers and make health truly accessible for the Deaf community.”
Ms. Adzigbey’s work highlights a critical need within the Ghanaian health sector for more inclusive communication strategies.
Her selflessness serves as a blueprint for how healthcare professionals can advocate for marginalised groups, ensuring that the right to health is a reality for all, regardless of their ability to hear.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com
