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Health and Social Care Language Support
24/7 interpreting support is available free of charge for all Patients who do not speak English proficiently. This includes both face to face interpreting and telephone interpreting. Please let your health practitioner or receptionist know if you need an Interpreter for your appointment. Friends and relatives should not be used to interpret during health and social care appointments.
BSO Interpreting Service
The BSO Interpreting Service provides face to face interpreting support for Patients who do not speak English proficiently. Telephone Interpreting is provided by a separate contracted Service called The Big Word Telephone Interpreting Service.
BSO Interpreters must:
- be trained, accredited and qualified
- convey the meaning of everything said
- be accurate and remain impartial
- maintain confidentiality
- clarify cultural nuances (if required)
- signpost client/patients if necessary
BSO Interpreters must not:
- speak on your behalf
- transport you to or from your appointment
- share their telephone number or personal contact details with you
- provide counselling or advice regarding the appointment
- provide written translation
- interpret for their family or friends
The BSO Interpreting Service is keen to maintain a high quality service that meets your needs, and we welcome your feedback. Please email: interpreting@hscni.net if you would like to share any feedback on your experience with an Interpreter. Alternatively you may wish to complete the Patient Client feedback form through the link below:
BSO Interpreting Patient Client Feedback Form
BSO Interpreting Service Patient Posters / Leaflets
Access to Health and Social Care
For further information on how to access Health and Social Care please visit the following link: Access to Health and Social Care – DOH/HSCNI Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG)