Interpreting and translation

Language and communication support

This page details the communication support available to make sure you receive safe treatment and care in the language you understand.

The interpreting and translation services are provided free by the Trust to:

• Service users / patients
• Family members
• Carers

The Trust is able to provide the following interpreting support for you:

• Face to Face interpreting
• Telephone interpreting
• British Sign Language (BSL)

What is interpreting?

Interpreting is where the spoken word (e.g. a conversation or discussion) is re-produced in another language.

This might be from Arabic to English and vice versa, or from British Sign Language (BSL) to English and vice versa.

This may be done face-to-face or using remote methods, such as telephone interpreting, or video, or visual relay interpreting.

What is translation?

Translation is where a written word is re-produced in another language (e.g. a leaflet, a letter).

This can involve translating a document from one language to another, such as Spanish into English, or transcribing a document from English into Braille.

This also includes translating into alternative formats, such as Easy Read, Large Print and Audio Recording.

Did you know?

• There are over 7,000 languages in existence around the world
• The most widely spoken languages are Chinese, Spanish, English and Hindi
• Over half the population is bilingual
• 30th September is International Translation Day

Thanks to the young people of Article 12 for gathering the information for this page