The interpreting service exists for patients who speak little or no English and patients who are deaf or "hard-of-hearing" and require communication support.
Interpreters are supplied to the hospital by an agency and patients who require interpreters or communication support should discuss this with the department where they are receiving treatment. This department will then make the relevant booking with the agency.
The interpreting service is able to arrange the following services for patients:
- Telephone interpreting - is routinely offered for any appointments 45 minutes or under.
- Face-to-face interpreting
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters - ten days notice is usually required although the agency will try and source an interpreter for any request.
- Lip speaker and British touch sign interpreters
If you require an interpreter for an out-patient appointment, this is provided via telephone, and can be arranged at the time of the appointment. This does not need to be pre-booked. When attending the appointment please inform reception staff at the clinic that you require an interpreter. Should an interpreter be required for any other type of appointment then staff will routinely book this on your behalf. If you have any special requirements or preferences then please discuss this with staff within the department where you are receiving treatment.
Out-patients: how to book an interpreter
In-patients: how to book an interpreter
How to book a BSL, lipspeaker or touch sign interpreter
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