What do I do if I need an interpreter?
We recognise that the patient profile from the area that we serve is diverse, and some service users will require an interpreter. We can offer translation services in 106 languages.
To ensure that we can meet your interpreting needs please arrange for the department or ward to be contacted, to inform them of your requirements. Please make sure that you provide us with as much notice as possible to ensure that the most appropriate service is available to you.
However in an emergency situation we appreciate that it is not always possible to give notice, so we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Language interpretation / translation
If your primary provider is not able to provide an interpreter for the patient, you must contact the secondary provider.
Sussex Interpreting Services (SIS)
The Trust is under core contract with SIS to provide interpreters to meet the language needs for all patients being treated by BSUH.
Non emergency – 01273 702005
Emergency – 07811 459315
Online booking form (elective procedures) www.sussexinterpreting.org.uk
In the event that SIS is unable to provide an interpreter for an appointment it is then permissible to contact:
Vandu Language Services (VLS)
Telephone – 01273 473986
Mobile – 07989 023460
Online booking form (elective procedures) www.vlslanguages.com
Communication interpretation/translation
Neals Communication Agency Limited
Provide British Sign Language, Lip-speaking and Deafblind interpretation. Interpreters can be booked by contacting:
Telephone: 0845 6048345
Online booking form (elective procedures) www.neal.uk.com
Deafblind UK
Provide free and confidential communication and guiding support for all medical appointments in Brighton and Hove for people with sight and hearing loss. Deafblind UK can also provide Deafblind interpreters (which is chargeable)
Advice Line: 0800 132 320
Blatchington Court Trust
Can provide translation of small documents (in plain text) into Braille, for larger documents Blatchington Court Trust can provide advice on alternative suppliers.
Please email Word documents to: alison@blatchingtoncourt.org.uk
Learning Disability Liaison Team
The team can be contacted on 01273 696955 extn. 4975 or bleep 8514, and are available Monday to Friday, from 8.30am - 4.30pm. The team will support healthcare professionals and patient, service users and their carers or family during admission or attendance at our hospitals.
The Learning Disabilities Liaison Team aims to provide active support, education and advice for professionals, acute hospital staff, the patient and their family and carers.
Portable Induction Loops
These can be hired by contacting the Estates helpdesks:
RSCH – extn. 4129
PRH – extn. 5929
