Non-English Speakers
If English is not your first language, we offer the option of telephone interpreting services (including 3 way telephone calls). We ask that when arranging an appointment, we are made aware that you will require an interpreter and for which language this is required.
Telephone interpreting services are provided by The Big Word
Face to face interpreting services are provided by Health & Social Care Board (HSCB) Interpreter service.
Telephone interpreter services are used for urgent care as face to face interpreters are not available same day and have to be booked in advance.
A written translation service is available for patients who present with letters/documents in any language other than English.
Your documents will be sent to HSCB for translation back/to English.
Please be assured that anything discussed via an interpreter will be held in the strictest confidence by the interpreter.
British Sign Language/Irish Sign Language
An interpreting service is available free of charge for patients using GP services. This includes interpreting for people who are deaf or deaf/blind.
Some patients are happy to bring a companion to their appointment to act as interpreter; but we understand you may have occasions that this is not appropriate and prefer the assistance of 3rd party interpreting services (language translation or sign language translation).
We do not allow children to act as interpreters during your treatment or appointments.
A member of the Team from the Practice dealing with your treatment or appointment will arrange the interpreter.
When you register with us; we will record on your clinical record that you require assistance when onsite or when accessing our services. This message will appear to any member of the team who accesses your file. However, we would ask that you remind us at the time of booking an appointment that you require assistance/ interpreter services.
If you have a hearing disability and would benefit from a BSL/ISL interpreter, please make us aware prior to your appointment so we can arrange for an interpreter to be present.
The service is provided by Interpreter Now and more details are be found on the following link: signvideo.co.uk/hscni
How we use Interpreter Now:
Sign Language Users
- Register at interpreternow.co.uk/reg
- Open lnterpreterNow app - click on HSC button
- Or use PC/Laptop
- Connect to online interpreter
- Connected!
HSCNI Staff members
- Call 0333 344 6012
- Connect to online interpreter
- Check Sign Language User is online
- Start conversation
- Connected!
All patients (including those with hearing disabilities) are advised to register for online access. This service allows you to order/re-order medications and book appointments.
Sight Impairment
Staff members are happy to assist those with sight problems around the building
Disabled Access
The surgery can be accessed by patients who need to use a wheelchair. Although located upstairs, there are lifts to provide access.