An interpreting service is available free of charge for patients using GP and NHS Hospital Services in England. This includes interpreting for people who are deaf or deaf/blind.
General Practice
Please inform us if you require an interpreter whilst you are in the process of booking an appointment. This allows us to book double appointments, as consulting with the aid of an interpreter is a longer process than without.
We do not allow children to act as interpreters during your appointments.
Hospital
A member of the team from the Hospital Department dealing with your treatment or appointment will arrange an interpreter at your request. To make sure we can support you effectively, please do let the Hospital team know you need interpreting help as soon as possible.
- If you are going into Hospital, contact the Ward or Department to let them know you need an interpreter, as soon as you receive your Hospital appointment. You may need a friend or relative who speaks English to tell the Hospital team that you need an interpreter.
- Be sure to let the Hospital team know if you will not be coming for your appointment or treatment.
- Be sure to tell the Hospital if you will be late for your appointment or treatment. Another patient somewhere else might need the interpreter. If you are late the next patient might miss their appointment or not get the help they need.