Interpretation and Translation Advice and Guidance
Making sure that all patients have access to information and receive the care and support they need is very important to the NHS in Greater Manchester.
That’s why health and care services work hard to make sure that communication isn’t a barrier for people who don’t speak, or find it difficult to speak, in English, people who don’t read English, patients who use British Sign Language (BSL) or have other communication requirements. 
The importance of using interpreters and translators
We want to make sure all patients get safe and good care, especially people who have trouble speaking or understanding others. Using interpreters and translators helps patients understand what is happening and make their own choices.
It’s important that care is easy for everyone to understand, no matter what language they speak or how they communicate. This helps stop confusion and makes sure everyone is treated kindly and fairly.
If you are worried about your care or about help with understanding or speaking, talk to your healthcare provider.
You can also contact your local safeguarding team. They are there to keep you safe and support you during your care.
One of the ways that services ensure patients receive the support they need is through interpreting and translation services.
During all health and care appointments, interpreting and translation services should be made available to those that require them. They provide support for patients, families, and healthcare professionals and help:
- Ensure patients fully understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and medical advice.
- Support healthcare professionals in delivering safe and effective care.
This support includes:
- In person interpreters or face-to-face interpreters.
- Video interpreting.
- Three-way telephone interpreting calls with an interpreter.
- Translation of key documents.
Under the Health and Care Act and the Equality Act, anyone who requires it has the right to interpretation and translation services for NHS and social care services.
Under the Accessible Information Standard, the NHS has a legal responsibility to make sure that the services they provide are equally accessible to everyone.
Under the Health and Care Act, all NHS and social care organisations must try to make things fair for all patients. They must:
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Help everyone get the care they need.
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Try to make sure people get the best results from their care.
This means that in Greater Manchester, the NHS and social care teams should always help you understand what’s happening in your appointments. They should also make sure public health messages are easy for you to understand.
You can find out more about the Accessible Information Standard by watching the below animated video produced by NHS England in partnership with the charity Sense.
The video outlines how health and care providers should be supporting people who need access to interpretation and translation services.
If you need an interpreter for BSL, a spoken language, or need to communicate in another way, your healthcare provider is responsible for booking this for you to attend your appointment. They have access to services to support you to communicate in the way you need.
It is helpful to let your GP practice, dental surgery, optician, hospital (or wherever your health care appointment is) know as soon as possible before your appointment, if you need help with interpretation or translation. This is so they can make sure they have the right support in place. You should try to let them know at the time of booking the appointment, if that is possible.
You may also be asked if a note can be made about your communication needs on your medical record so you can receive the support you need in the future. They may ask some of these questions to help with future appointments:
- Do you have any communication or support needs?
- How do you prefer to be contacted?
- Can we do anything to make communicating with us easier?
- Are standard letters okay for you, or would you prefer larger print or a different form of communication?
You can contact your local HealthWatch organisation for further advice.
These services are paid for by NHS Greater Manchester. You do not need to pay for this service.
