Interpreting and Translation Services
Across North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, we recognise the importance of clear communication and how it effects your experience of care at our Trust. Our interpretation and translation teams make that straightforward for patients who need their support.
The services offered play a vital role in ensuring that all patients with communication needs are supported and the best quality healthcare possible is provided.
If you do not speak English as a first language, use sign language (BSL) or have communication difficulties, our Interpreting Service can support.
This can be arranged in advance of your appointment by the reception staff of the department/ward that you are attending. Please remember your request must come through the clinic or ward staff and or booking team, and they will be happy to help you.
Please be aware face-to-face interpreting is not always possible, in this case remote interpreting can be arranged by the department/ward and this can be done on demand on the day of your appointment.
Being part of the Patience Experience Team, the Interpreting and Translation service consists of a team of in-house interpreters who are involved in face-to-face interpreting, remote interpreting, and the translations of documents, such as leaflets, patient information packs and correspondence.
In addition, external interpreters, sourced by a Language Service Provider, are used when required. We allso offer remote interpreting services throughout the Trust as an alternative to face to face interpreting when required and have access to qualified interpreters in over 150 languages in less than 30 seconds.
Deaf patients can get expert support from British Sign Language interpreters and visually impaired individuals can request documents in Braille or large text working to meet the NHS England Accessible Information Standard.
What to expect when working with an interpreter, and who will you meet at your appointment? 
At a face-to-face interpretation appointment patients are likely to meet either a language Interpreter or British Sign Language interpreter.
If you are using the remoting audio interpreting method, then you will only hear the interpreter’s voice to ease communication.
If you are using the video interpreting method, then you will see, hear and be able to speak to the interpreter via an iPad or electronic equipment used by the clinician.
Please be aware that during the appointment the interpreters’ purpose is to relay accurately and fully everything that is being discussed between the clinician and patient. Interpreters will not advocate on behalf of the patient as they are required to remain impartial throughout.
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