Some patients may need professional communication support, such as a British Sign Language interpreter or a notetaker. Book communication support in advance It can be difficult to book communication professionals at short notice, so book them as far in advance as possible. Check if your service has a process for booking communication support or a contract with a specific agency....
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
Clinics should establish a clear pre-appointment workflow for booking and briefing BSL interpreters or notetakers for patients who need them, including a tested pathway for remote interpreting as a backup.
Failure to provide adequate professional communication support can compromise patient safety, informed consent, and legal compliance, making this guidance operationally critical for any clinic serving deaf patients.
- 01RNID recommends arranging BSL interpreters or notetakers in advance, not at the time of the appointment.
- 02Guidance includes practical tips for working with remote/video interpreting services.
- 03Relying on family members or untrained staff as interpreters is discouraged due to accuracy and confidentiality risks.
- 04Provision of communication support is a legal duty under the UK Equality Act 2010.
- 05No research evidence is presented; this is expert organisational guidance.
Professional communication support (e.g., BSL interpreters, notetakers) should be arranged in advance for deaf or hard-of-hearing patients.
guidelinesupported
