Interpretation and Translation

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NHS Tayside provides interpretation and translation services for patients who:

  • have difficulty verbally communicating in English, even though they may be able to speak limited English
  • deaf patients
  • deaf and blind patients

Interpretation Services

Telephone
A 24-hour, 7-days-a-week telephone interpretation service for people who have difficulty verbally communicating in English who come to our hospitals as inpatients and outpatients.

This service is provided by Language Line Solutions (LLS) and provides interpretation in 200 languages.  The service operates by connecting members of staff and patients to a professional interpreter by telephone.

Face-to-Face interpreting and British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting for deaf patients
Face-to-face and BSL interpreting is managed through NHS Tayside Interpretation and Translation Service.  Any member of staff within a clinical area can contact us on 01382 425691 (x35691) to book an interpreter for a person who has difficulty verbally communicating in English, and for deaf patients.

Guide Communicators for patients who are both deaf and blind

Guide communicators for deaf and blind patients are provided by Deafblind Scotland.  Any member of staff within a clinical area can contact this organisation on 0141 777 6111 to book a guide communicator for deaf and blind patients.

Translation Services (for written information)

Language Line Solutions can provide translation of written information for non-English speaking patients.

If you need help please let us know

Only NHS Tayside staff can access the above services.  However, all patients, families and carers can ask for staff to organise interpretation or translation of a patient leaflet or other patient information.

All you have to do is contact a member of staff in the area you are attending for your appointment or on the ward, and highlight any communication needs and they will arrange support for your communication needs.
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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

1926 - 2022