CONCORD – Several people who complained about how Concord Hospital handles deaf and hard-of-hearing patients will receive $100,000 from the hospital, the U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire announced yesterday.

As part of a settlement between the U.S. Attorney and Concord Hospital, the hospital agreed to establish a program for effective communication for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. That involves a program administrator and immediate access to auxiliary aids and services.

The hospital will also provide the deaf and hard of hearing with appropriate auxiliary aids and qualified interpreters. It must provide staff training and reports to the office of U.S. Attorney Tom Colantuono.

The hospital admitted no liability when signing the agreement, Colantuono’s office said.In a two-page statement issued yesterday, Colantuono’s office said allegations centered on violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Concord Hospital cooperated in the investigation.

The office said complaints came from deaf people who sought treatment at the hospital or who accompanied a family member seeking treatment.

Concord Hospital failed to provide appropriate aids or American Sign Language interpreters, according to the complaints. The deaf people were required to use inadequate auxiliary aids, and hospital workers did not know how to use them.