Remote interpreting service established for sign language users

Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has announced the establishment of a free remote interpreting service for British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) users to access NHS111 and health and social care services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This temporary service, which is funded by the Department of Health and Department for Communities, has been established in partnership with the Health and Social Care Board.

It will provide the Deaf community with access to all health and social care services and NHS111 during the COVID-19 pandemic, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Information about how to access this service is being made available via NI Direct, and on the Health and Social Care Board and Public Health Agency websites.

Announcing the service Minister Swann said: “During these very challenging times my priority continues to be protecting the wellbeing of the most vulnerable in our society. The Deaf community, in particular, face barriers to effective communication on a daily basis. This service will enable Deaf people to access vital public health information and engage with healthcare professionals on the same basis as hearing people.”

Explaining further Minister Swann said: “The COVID-19 public health crisis has raised awareness across Government of the importance of providing information and services that are accessible to people with sensory, physical, and learning disabilities.

“Work is ongoing to ensure that those in health and social care join forces with partners in the community and voluntary sector to improve accessibility for the Deaf community including translating key messages and providing a wide range of videos and documents in British and Irish Sign Language.”

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey welcomed the new service, saying it is an important step forward for improving accessibility to health and social care information and services for the Deaf community.

“My officials have been working closely with the Health and Social Care Board with input from the Public Health Agency and the British Deaf Association to co-ordinate access to information translated in to BSL and ISL.

“This service is another initiative to ensure that Deaf people can access vital information and support during the COVID-19 pandemic. My officials will continue to work in partnership with these organisations and others to support the Deaf community during these difficult times.”

To find out more about this free service and to connect to a remote video interpreter please go to www.interpreternow.co.uk/nhs111ni

Notes to the editor

1. The temporary remote sign language interpreting service is provided by Interpreter Now, who provide similar access to NHS services across England, Scotland, and Wales.

2. The service includes two elements:

a. Video Relay Service: This enables Deaf people to telephone any Health and Social Care service via a remote BSL or ISL interpreter. The Deaf person, the interpreter, and the Health and Social Care service provider can all be in different locations. The Deaf person contacts the interpreter via the service app, using their smartphone/ tablet/ computer, or via a secure video link using a computer. Once they are connected, the interpreter telephones the Health and Social Care service provider on the Deaf person’s behalf.

b. Video Remote Interpreting service: This enables Deaf people to communicate with a Health and Social Care professional in person, via an online BSL or ISL video interpreter. The Deaf person and the Health and Social Care service provider can be in the same location, while the interpreter is online via secure video link on a screen in the office (e.g. a tablet, smart phone, or computer).

3. To ensure immediate access to telephone services at this time the Video Relay System will be introduced first, with the Video Remote Interpreting Service following within the coming weeks.

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Health and Social Care Remote Sign Language Interpreting Service

A free remote interpreting service for British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) users in Northern Ireland has been introduced to provide the Deaf community with access to NHS111 and all health and social care services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we know, accessing telephone services is near impossible for Deaf sign language users. This is especially important during this COVID-19 pandemic. Also, there are nearly no face-to-face interpreters attending appointments etc. To address this, Health and Social Care (HSC) have been working with NHS 111 and InterpreterNow to make services accessible in British and Irish sign languages.

Deaf BSL and ISL users in Northern Ireland can now access:

1. NHS 111 helpline for COVID-19
And
2. Health and Social Care Services in Northern Ireland

These are available 24 hours a day ad 7 days a week!

NHS 111 VRS provides direct telephone access to coronavirus/COVID-19 advice.
HSC VRI services provide direct access to GP surgeries, out of hours services, hospital inpatient or outpatient services, call community pharmacies, ambulance services or contact a Social Work team.

Both video relay service (VRS) and video remote interpreting (VRI) is provided.

VRS is where you, the Deaf person, makes a telephone call using the online interpreter. Same as three people in three different locations.

VRI is where you are with a health care professional in same location and the interpreter is ‘remote’.