If you need help understanding or communicating during your appointment, we can arrange a professional interpreter free of charge.
This includes support for patients who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind.
Please note:
We do not allow children to interpret during appointments.
Our interpreting service
At Ivel Medical Centre, interpreting and translation services are provided through Language Empire, a UK-wide provider offering support in over 450 languages, including:
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- Deafblind interpreters
- Video and telephone interpreting
- Written translation, including EasyRead, Braille and Pictorial English
When to request help
Please tell us as early as possible — ideally when booking your appointment — if you need an interpreter.
A member of our team will arrange this for you.
If you have a hospital appointment, please contact the hospital ward or department directly to request an interpreter.
Important reminders
- If you cannot attend your appointment, please let us know so the interpreter can be cancelled.
- If you are running late, please call us — interpreters are in high demand.
- If a family member or friend helps you request an interpreter, that is fine — just ensure we know your needs clearly.
Feedback matters
If you have any issues with the interpreter service or if it worked well, please tell us.
Your feedback helps us improve the service.
Accessible Information Standard (AIS)
The Accessible Information Standard (2016) ensures people with a disability, impairment or sensory loss receive information in a format they can understand.
All NHS and adult social care organisations must:
- Ask about communication and information needs.
- Record these needs clearly.
- Flag them in the patient record.
- Share them with other care providers (with consent).
- Provide accessible information and communication support.
Examples include: large print, Braille, BSL interpreters, EasyRead materials and more.