Quick guide to accessing interpreting support - NHSGGC Maternity Services

Professional interpreting or communication support must be provided to ensure women* receive appropriate
information and care. It is vital to ensure informed consent and the best possible outcome for all.

Who requires interpreting support?

• Women whose first or preferred spoken language is not English
• Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users
  For women who are hard of hearing or who have hearing loss you can also book communication support such as lip readers and note takers.
• Deafblind (dual sensory impaired) patients
• Any woman who requests interpreting support
  Even if the woman speaks or understands some English they may need an interpreter to explain complicated or clinical information. If someone requests an interpreter, it must be provided.

Click on the link below to access information on when and how to access interpreting support.

*This document refers to the terms women/woman. In the context of this document the terms are inclusive of those who may not identify as women but who will require access to services related to their birth sex. For example, some trans people, non-binary people or people with intersex variations in sex characteristics.