If you speak little or no English and would benefit having things explained in a language you are more comfortable with, we can arrange for professional interpreting services to be available at your appointment or during your stay.
We also have a number of services for patients who are hearing-impaired.
Interpreting services
The main organisations we work with are:
- Sussex Interpreting Services (video interpreting) – provider of face-to-face overseas language interpreters
- Vandu Language Services (video interpreting) – provider of face-to-face overseas language interpreters
- Action Deafness – provider of face-to-face British Sign Language (BSL) and lip speaking interpreters
- SignLive – remote British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting
- Language Line – provider of telephone overseas language interpreters
If you would like to discuss any communication or other needs that you may need additional support for, please contact the ward or department (in person, by email or telephone) using the contact details on your appointment or admissions letter.
Information in different formats
We can provide letters or patient information in different formats including:
- Braille
- Overseas languages
- Easy Read
- Audio format
- Electronic formats
If you would like to discuss any communication or other need that you may needs additional support for, please contact the ward or department (in person, by email or telephone) using the contact details on your appointment or admissions letter.
Textphone and SMS text messaging
The Text Relay service is available for deaf people to use. For detailed information please look at the Next Generation website.
Many of our services will also send a text message to remind you of your appointment. We will also be rolling out a service where you can confirm, cancel and reschedule your appointments by text message.
For patients that have signed up to SignLive (online BSL interpreting), you can contact our wards and departments (via an interpreter), by selecting Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust from the Community Directory after you have logged in to SignLive.
