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Interpreters, linkworkers and advocates
Section three:
Local information
Examples Of Local Information Databases / Tools
Culturally appropriate information
Interpreters, linkworkers and advocates
Written information
Providing information to people who are blind or partially sighted
Local information
Examples Of Local Information Databases / Tools
Culturally appropriate information
Interpreters, linkworkers and advocates
Written information
Providing information to people who are blind or partially sighted
Interpreters, linkworkers and advocates
The first step to providing information well to people who do not speak English as a first language is to ensure effective communication. Sometimes it may be a case of allowing more time for people to communicate and time to listen to them. If a third party is required to facilitate the communication there may be a variety of options available.
Interpreters work specifically on facilitating immediate two-way communication between people who speak different languages, including British Sign Language (BSL). Good interpreters also take into consideration aspects of communication like body language and difference in cultural terms of expression.
Link workers are employed in some areas to develop working links between services and people in the community. Their work includes helping both staff and service users to communicate effectively.
Advocates work on behalf of service users to ensure that their individual needs are met when they use a service. They may be volunteers or professionals.
Language Line (and other telephone interpreter support)
Most health and social services departments and some voluntary organisations use a telephone interpreting scheme. Details of how to access the service that a department or NHS trust buy into should be available to all those working with people affected by neurological and other long-term conditions.
A confidential translation service is available through NHS Direct.
The Association of Sign Language Interpreters is the professional association of British Sign Language/English Interpreters for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Contact them for a directory of interpreters and guidance on working with a British Sign language interpreter.
Using interpreters
Some NHS organisations, and local authority organisations employ their own interpreters. Many use the services of a local interpreting organisation.
If it is likely that someone will require an interpreter in order to ensure that information can be communicated effectively to them, this should be arranged in advance of a consultation.
Consultations that involve interpreters are likely to take longer than usual and there is considerable benefit to be gained from the interpreter talking to the person in advance to help clarify any questions they may have and talking to the health professional in advance about the kind of issues and terms that will be discussed in order that they can prepare. Some medical concepts and terms do not easily translate.
The first step to providing information well to people who do not speak English as a first language is to ensure effective communication. Sometimes it may be a case of allowing more time for people to communicate and time to listen to them. If a third party is required to facilitate the communication there may be a variety of options available.
Interpreters work specifically on facilitating immediate two-way communication between people who speak different languages, including British Sign Language (BSL). Good interpreters also take into consideration aspects of communication like body language and difference in cultural terms of expression.
Link workers are employed in some areas to develop working links between services and people in the community. Their work includes helping both staff and service users to communicate effectively.
Advocates work on behalf of service users to ensure that their individual needs are met when they use a service. They may be volunteers or professionals.
Language Line (and other telephone interpreter support)
Most health and social services departments and some voluntary organisations use a telephone interpreting scheme. Details of how to access the service that a department or NHS trust buy into should be available to all those working with people affected by neurological and other long-term conditions.
A confidential translation service is available through NHS Direct.
The Association of Sign Language Interpreters is the professional association of British Sign Language/English Interpreters for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Contact them for a directory of interpreters and guidance on working with a British Sign language interpreter.
Using interpreters
Some NHS organisations, and local authority organisations employ their own interpreters. Many use the services of a local interpreting organisation.
If it is likely that someone will require an interpreter in order to ensure that information can be communicated effectively to them, this should be arranged in advance of a consultation.
Consultations that involve interpreters are likely to take longer than usual and there is considerable benefit to be gained from the interpreter talking to the person in advance to help clarify any questions they may have and talking to the health professional in advance about the kind of issues and terms that will be discussed in order that they can prepare. Some medical concepts and terms do not easily translate.
