An interpreting service is available free of charge for patients using GP and NHS Hospital Services in Scotland. This includes interpreting for people who are deaf or deaf/blind.
We do not allow children to act as interpreters during your treatment or appointments.
A member of the Team from the Practice or the Hospital Department dealing with your treatment or appointment will arrange the interpreter. To make sure we can support you effectively we need you to do certain things so please do let us know you need interpreting help as soon as possible. Preferably, this should be as soon as you make an appointment with your GP.
- 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 us that you need an interpreter, the first time.
- Be sure to let us know if you will not be coming for your appointment or treatment. If you do not tell us you might stop another patient getting the help they need.
- Be sure to tell us 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.
- Let us know if you have had any problems with communication during your appointment or treatment. This will help us improve the service.
- Tell us if communication was good. This also helps us provide a good service.
Language Line
If English is not your first language, there is a translation service called Language Line which can provide someone to translate between you and the helpline staff member. NHS 24 uses the interpretation service, Language Line, to support callers who cannot, or prefer not to, speak English.
Language Line is private, confidential and free to use.
Using Language Line
To use Language Line:
- Phone NHS 24 on 111
- Tell the call handler that you need an interpreter
- Tell the call handler the name of your preferred language
Once you’re connected to an interpreter you’ll have a three way conversation with NHS 24 to explain the problem in your language and get the help you need.
NESS – Interpreters for the blind or deaf
If you require an interpreter for your appointment then let us know. We will contact North East Sensory Services (NESS) and arrange for an interpreter for your consultation