If English is not your first language and you require an interpreter (including British Sign Language), we will endeavour to book an interpreter for your appointment. We can arrange a telephone interpreter (if appropriate), a video interpreter or an interpreter who will attend in person (if available).

If you would prefer to bring a friend or relative to interpret for you, we ask that you please notify the department as there may be an interpreter already booked for you.

When attending your appointment, if an interpreter hasn’t been booked, the department should be able to use the On Demand Interpreter Service (for languages other than British Sign Language) to communicate with you using a telephone interpreter.

If you have a hearing impairment and wear a hearing aid, please look for the hearing loop symbol at the main reception desks and set your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting.

You can request an interpreter or communicator for appointments at our community hospitals, clinics and other community settings by contacting the department you have your appointment with or the patient experience team:

You can request an interpreter or communicator for appointments at our community hospitals, clinics and other community settings by contacting the department you have your appointment with or the patient experience team:

You can request an interpreter or communicator for appointments at our community hospitals, clinics and other community settings by contacting the department you have your appointment with or the patient experience team:

If you require a translation of your appointment letter, clinical letters or our leaflets and publications, you can do this by contacting the department your appointment is with or contacting interpreters@ncic.nhs.uk

Alternatively if you require information in a different format such as large print sizes, Braille grades 1 & 2, Easy Read format or yellow paper, please contact the department your appointment is with who will be able to arrange this for you.

Do you have any concerns relating to your appointment or interpreter?

The Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) can support you if you have any concerns about a recent appointment or the interpreter that was provided. 
Support and advice from Patient Advice & Liason Service.