NHS STAFF
Staff Training & Resources
Language Resources
Working With Interpreters
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is committed to providing equal access to healthcare for all service users, as outlined in its Tackling Inequalities Policy. The provision of interpreting services is a vital part of the ongoing work to ensure that everyone receives the best possible care.
Interpreting services address a number of risks for both service users and staff. For example, patients who have a limited understanding of English:
- may not be able to give informed consent
- may not be able to ask questions or seek assistance
- may not be aware of what services are available to them
- may not be able to use medication properly or follow care plans
- may come from cultures with different understandings of health and illness
- may not understand how to use NHS services
- may not understand their rights and responsibilities within the healthcare system
Ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to engage in the health care process benefits all concerned. In addition, equalities legislation stipulates that the organisation must be pro-active in ensuring that this is the case.
The New Interpreting Service
From 1st October the new NHSGGC Interpreting Service can be contacted on 0141 347 8811 or interpretingservices@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
The new, in-house Interpreting Service aims to provide an effective and efficient service for patients and staff and replaces previous arrangements for accessing spoken language interpreters (excludes British Sign Language).
The service is available for clinicians and service users across all services including Primary Care, Acute out-patient and in-patient services, mental health services and all our independent contractors e.g. GPs, dentists, opticians and pharmacies. Operating from 8.00am to 8.30pm seven days a week, the service offers alternative procedures for out-of-hours via the same telephone number.
The new service is being designed to meet the diverse needs of patients and clinicians and is taking into account the views of both service users and staff.The development of the service will continue to be informed by ongoing feedback from staff, clients and interpreters.
Future developments will include an in-house written translation service and a review of interpreting services for Deaf patients.
For further information on the NHSGGC Interpreting Service, contact Eileen Carroll, Business Manager, on 0141 201 4785.
Resources
Booking System for Interpreters/Communicators - Poster
Booking Procedure and Guidance for Spoken language Interpreters
British Sign Language Interpreting Policy & Procedures
Interpreting Services Booking Form
Language Identification Poster
Patient Information Leaflets -
