If English is not your first language you can have an interpreter appointed by the NHS at your appointment.

Patients can now access the interpreting service “Direct Patient Access to Interpreting Service” before calling Sandyford Switchboard to help make an appointment.

Information in community languages

Information In Community Languages

Patients now have direct access to a telephone interpreting service to make an appointment at Sandyford.

An information leaflet is available in multiple languages. It explains how to use the service by calling or by using a mobile app. It provides codes specific to NHSGGC services so can only be used for this purpose.

Patient direct access

British Sign Language interpreter for Deaf patients

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde provide a BSL interpreter for Deaf patients attending any healthcare appointment.

For all appointments, please contact the interpreting services on 0141 347 8811 or email ggc.bslmediator@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Do I pay for an interpreter?

No. This service is free.

Can I ask for a female or male interpreter?

Yes. Tell us which you prefer and we will try and provide this. Your choice may not always be available and we will tell you if this is the case.

Can I ask for telephone interpreting?

Yes. You can choose this option if you do not want the interpreter to be in the room with you. We can also use telephone interpreting if a face-to-face interpreter is not available.

Will the interpreter know they are going to be interpreting at a sexual health appointment?

Yes. Interpreters know the full range of Sandyford services and know they will be translating words and phrases used in sexual health.

This includes translations for private body parts, sex and different types of sexual relationships, pregnancy, contraception. abortion, tests and treatments.

If you need an intimate examination at Sandyford your interpreter will wait behind a curtain and will not be able to see you.

What if I am uncomfortable about letting the interpreter know sexual details about me?

Our interpreters have recieved trsaining and will give non-judgemental translations. They are used to a range of different people with different sexual experiences.

This includes people who have sexual relationships with people of the opposite or same sex. It includes people who have a gender indentity which is different to the one they were born with.

Everything is kept private and confidential.

What can I expect an interpreter to do?

only interpret exactly what you say.
only tell you exactly what our staff member says to you. They should do nothing else.

It's important to speak slowly and clearly to our staff member so the interpreter can interpret what you say.

What can't interpreters do?

interpreters cannot speak or act on your behalf (advocacy)
they cannot have a private conversation with you.
they will only translate and help you complete forms that staff are reading to you.

Confidentiality

Everything you say will be kept private and confidential. Interpreters work for NHS greater Glasgow and Clyde. They have to follow the same strict rules on confidentiality that applies to all doctors, nurses, counsellors and all other health workers.

interpreters are not allowed to tell anyone about your appointment and anything that happened or was talked about during it.

What if I do not feel comfortable with the interpreter at my appointment?

If for any reason you do not feel comfortable with the interpreter at your appointment you have the right to ask them to leave. We will use the telephone interpreting service to continue your appointment. Just tell the Sandyford staff member that you would like to speak to them alone and the interpreter will leave the room.

Contact interpreting services

If you would like to ask us any questions about the interpreting service please email or phone: 0141 347 8811