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Video sign language interpreter service

Communicating with our deaf and hard of hearing patients and carers

East Kent Hospitals is delighted to enable British Sign Language (BSL) users to contact us using a Sign Language interpreter, through the InterpretersLive! service, provided by Sign Solutions.

This means that Deaf patients or carers whose first language is British Sign Language (BSL) can communicate with staff more easily using remote interpreters without having to be at the hospital.

The services allows the interpreter to communicate by video with the patient, and relay what they say by phone to staff. The technology also allows for a three-way video call so the patient, member of staff and interpreter can all see each other.

BSL interpreters are available on demand via video link or can be pre-booked. All interpreters are qualified and NRCPD registered, DBS checked and have medical interpreting experience.

This service does not replace the request for face-to-face interpreting in person.

InterpretersLive! is also available for a pre-book video Lip Speaking service. This service must be arranged in advance of an appointment.

The InterpretersLive! service is available on-demand 7 days a week between 08:00-24:00. You can also pre-book BSL Video Interpreters and other types of remote communication support for anytime and anywhere via any video platform of your choice. You can download the step-by-step guide to easily set up and get connected to a remote BSL Interpreter here.

User guides are also available to support users of the InterpretersLive! service. Please select an option for more information.

You can connect to InterpretersLive! and find a BSL interpreter here.

For troubleshooting and how to download the InterpretersLive!, please visit: https://www.interpreterslive.co.uk/app/.

Service Availability

The InterpretersLive! video service hours are 08.00 to 24:00, 7 days a week. If an Interpreter is not immediately available, you can hold or retry later. 

The service can struggle to connect when using mobile data, using Wi-Fi is advised to connect.

Minimum Requirements

This service is accessible via a Windows supported devices and Apple Mac. The service is compatible with the following browsers;

  • Google Chrome version 46 and later
  • Firefox version 45 and later
  • Opera version 39 and later.

If you are using Safari 9 or Internet Explorer 11, when prompted, please download the plugin. You will only need to do this once, next time you will be taken straight to the call button.

Support

Please note: if you have less than 120kbps available – call will be audio only. Minimum requirement for video calls is 192kbps.

Alternatively, contact Sign Solutions for further help or to provide feedback on the service.

Privacy

Sign Solutions, providers of InterpretersLive! are certified ISO 27001 and ISO 9001, and all data is processed and held securely. As a certified organisation we are committed to continuous improvement and are externally assessed, annually, to ensure progress is maintained.