Patients who may have difficulty understanding and speaking English should make sure they are accompanied by an English-speaking relative or friend whenever they attend the surgery, if possible. it is important that the doctor has a clear understanding of the presenting health problem and that the patient fully understands their treatment.
If the patient is unable to access an interpreter, the surgery will be pleased to give them a telephone number to access the health advocate specialising in their language, so that they can arrange a mutually acceptable date for them to book an appointment to see the doctor together. The advocate should then contact the supervisor to book the appointment.
In the event of a medical emergency, the surgery may be able to arrange a telephone interpreter. This service should not be used for routine appointments.