Spoken Language – Face to Face or Telephone Interpreting
You are entitled to an interpreter for all NHS services, including hospital and GP appointments, dentists, opticians, chiropodists, pharmacists etc. A member of staff must provide the interpreter for you.
During COVID restrictions, face to face interpreting using PPE equipment is still permitted in some circumstances. However, telephone interpreting will be used unless this is not appropriate for the particular patient or appointment. Attend Anywhere / Near me video interpreting is also available for spoken language interpreting.
The following leaflet states your right to an interpreter and explains to staff how they should go about this if they are unsure. You can print it off, or contact us for a copy to carry with you when attending appointments. Click here for more information
British Sign Language – Face to Face or Online Interpreting Services
The NHS has a responsibility to make sure that BSL interpreting support is provided for you when you use our services. Please ensure that your Clinician/GP is aware that you require interpreting so that they can arrange this with as much notice as possible.
The BSL Online interpreting service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that in an unplanned or emergency situation, staff can quickly link up to an interpreter at any time and communicate with their Deaf patient. It can also be used during hospital stays, or to enable Deaf patients to communicate with staff if waiting for a face to face interpreter to arrive. BSL Online is now available at hospital sites across NHSGGC.
During COVID restrictions, face to face BSL interpreting using PPE equipment is still permitted. However, we may suggest the use of video interpreting to facilitate the appointment if this is considered a safer option.