§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps have been taken to publicise the availability and to ensure the acceptability of health and personal social services to Asian women who cannot read or write any language.
§ Mr. NewtonDuring 1982 BBC TV showed 12 short films including some in Asian languages to advertise—"Your Right to Health".
491WIn the recent "Stop Rickets Campaign" aimed at Asian families, information was given orally and over radio and television about the availability of vitamin D supplements. A similar approach will be used in a forthcoming project to encourage Asian women to make early use of maternity services.
Managers of hospitals are also obliged by section 132 of the Mental Health Act 1983 to ensure that patients understand their rights and are given the requisite information both orally and in writing. Additionally a number of health authorities and local authorities employ interpreters or "link workers" to make their services more accessible to people who do not speak English.