A free remote interpreting service for sign language users has been established to provide Northern Ireland’s deaf community access to all health and social care services during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The temporary service for British and Irish sign language users will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and info on how to access the service is available here.
Further details can be found via NI Direct, and on the Health and Social Care Board and Public Health Agency websites.
Health Minister Robin Swann MLA said his priority “during these challenging times continues to be protecting the wellbeing of the most vulnerable in our society.”
He added: “The Covid-19 public health crisis has raised awareness across government of the importance of providing information and services that are accessible to people with sensory, physical, and learning disabilities.
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“Work is ongoing to ensure that those in health and social care join forces with partners in the community and voluntary sector to improve accessibility for the deaf community, including translating key messages and providing a wide range of videos and documents in British and Irish sign language.”
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey also welcomed the new service, which is being funded by the Department of Health and Department for Communities and has been established in partnership with the Health and Social Care Board.
To find out more about this free service and to connect to a remote video interpreter please go to www.interpreternow.co.uk/nhs111ni.
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Source: Written from press release
