Nurses at Pamukkale University Hospital have taken a meaningful step to communicate more effectively with hearing-impaired patients and to eliminate barriers in healthcare services. The “Basic Level Sign Language Training,” implemented under the coordination of the Nursing Services Directorate and Nursing Education Unit, began with an opening program held on April 13, 2026.

The program was attended by Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Hakan Alkan, Hospital Chief Administrator Dr. Murat Taşer, Nursing Services Director Demet Ekici, deputy directors, and nurses participating in the training process. This four-week program aims to enable hearing-impaired individuals to express themselves more comfortably during hospital processes and to strengthen a culture of empathy, understanding, and accessible communication in healthcare service delivery. The program, conducted on a voluntary basis by Nurse Fatma Coşkun, aims to develop participants’ ability to express medical terms in sign language and to correctly understand patients’ complaints.

In her opening speech, Nursing Services Director Demet Ekici emphasized that communication in healthcare is not limited to speaking, and that understanding the patient is as critical as medical care. She stated that it is very valuable for healthcare professionals to gain awareness in this field so that hearing-impaired individuals can receive services safely in the hospital, and expressed that her colleagues’ voluntary participation in such trainings is a source of pride. She also thanked Nurse Fatma Coşkun, who led the training, as well as training nurses Veciye Akyol and Zülbiya Paşa, who made great contributions to the planning of the program.

Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Hakan Alkan: “With this training where hands speak, the bond established with patients is growing stronger every day”

Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Hakan Alkan highlighted the key role of nurses in improving healthcare service quality and stated that the entire team works with great dedication. As a rehabilitation physician, he noted that he has closely witnessed the importance of efforts to improve the quality of life of disabled individuals. He said he believes that the sign language training initiated will strengthen the bond with hearing-impaired patients. He also added that this training will contribute to nurses’ empathy skills and emphasized that the project will take patient-centered care to a higher level. Concluding his speech, Prof. Dr. Alkan thanked all healthcare professionals and administrative staff who contributed to the implementation of this meaningful project.

With this training program, Pamukkale University Hospital continues to both strengthen the professional competencies of healthcare workers and institutionalize an inclusive service approach that facilitates access to healthcare for hearing-impaired individuals, where barriers are overcome with compassion and knowledge.