A patient receiving a helping hand from an interpreter
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust provides a range of services to support anyone who has communication difficulties because English is not their first language, or because they have a disability.
This service ensures the patient has the best possible treatment and care whilst in the hospital.
For most consultations and appointments you will be offered an interpreter via telephonic interpreting provided by Language Line. This enables us to deliver an instant and effective service for more than 170 languages, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
Face to face interpreting is also available for some languages, though some notice is required.
In addition, we are also able to provide British Sign Language interpreters for those patients that have a hearing impairment. This service does need to be booked in advance.
If you require this information in your language please contact + 44 (0) 1372 73 5243
Google Translate service
To translate pages on this website into your own language, you can use Google Translate, a free automatic translator. It works without the intervention of human translators, using state-of-the-art technology instead. The tool currently supports translation between 57 languages.
To translate any page on this website, simply select your language at the bottom left. Please note that the tool gives you an idea what the web page is about, however it cannot provide an exact translation of the content.
More information for inpatients
If you need an interpreter, please tell us before you arrive if possible
If your first language is not English and you need an interpreter to help you speak to doctors and nurses, ask a relative or friend to tell your nurse as soon as possible. Please note that your GP may already have told us that you need an interpreter.
The nurse in charge of your ward will do their best to make arrangements to provide an interpreter service.
Bedside folders
If you would like a translation of the bedside folder or any other information provided by us into a particular language, please contact Disability Information Centre Epsom (DICE) on 01372 73 5243.
Pictorial communication book
A pictorial communication book is available on the ward for people who have a learning disability. This can also be useful to other patients with communication difficulties. Please ask for this if you think it would be helpful.
Leaflets in other languages
