Booking a sign language interpreter
The process for booking a sign language interpreter for health and social care appointments in Northern Ireland has changed.
A new provider, Sign Language Interactions (SLI), offers a range of communication support for people who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing.
This includes in-person and remote interpreting, lip readers, electronic notetakers, relay interpreters, as well as deafblind interpretation and speech to text reporting.
Access to this new service will be made through one central booking system.
This is different to the way you would have previously booked a sign language interpreter.
The new service is free and can be used to book GP, hospital and social care appointments.
Under the law all HSC organisations must provide a professional interpreter.
It is important that you are aware of the new system and know how to access it t o help improve accessibility for deaf patients and service users.
The new service – available 24/7, all year round – will help you secure the right interpreting services quickly, for the people who use our services.
How to book
Bookings can be made online at: https://signlanguageinteractions.com/hscni/
Or you can email: bookingsni@signlanguageinteractions.com
Or telephone: 0333 344 7712
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Staff Training to book sign language interpreters for HSC appointments
Short online training courses are available for HSC staff to learn how to book a sign language interpreter.
To book a training session visit: https://signvideo.co.uk/hscni-webinar/