A communication support service is available for people who are d/Deaf, deafblind or have hearing loss or tinnitus to access health and social care services.
The service is free and provided by Sign Language Interactions – the provider for all health and social care trusts in Northern Ireland,
Sign Language Interactions provide a range of interpreting services, including:
- face-to-face (on-site) interpreting services
- remote interpreting services through Video Relay Interpreting and Video Interpretation for British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) users
- interpreters for deafblind people
- lip speakers
- electronic note takers
- speech to text reporting
If you require an interpreter, please contact the service or department where your appointment is due as soon as possible and the team will arrange an interpreter for you.
Please note: The remote service is accessed through the SignVideo website or app and is for non-emergency calls only.
If you have service-related questions, you can text Sign Language Interactions directly on 075 2064 5246 to check an interpreter has been booked.
Contacting emergency services using the 999 BSL app
The 999 BSL app is a free UK emergency video relay service designed for British Sign Language (BSL) users to enable them to contact emergency services (police, fire, ambulance, or coastguard) in their first language.
The app connects users instantly to a remote interpreter who relays the conversation, in real time. No registration is required and the app is completely free to download and use.
- Open 999 BSL app
- Press red button to call
- Connect to a BSL interpreter
Get more information about the 999 BSL UK Emergency Video Relay Service.
If you are not Deaf and have an emergency, please call 999 from a telephone.
Hearing support lanyards
The Northern Trust has introduced hearing support lanyards for patients and service users with hearing loss.
The aim is to improve communication and provide greater support for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who lip read, when accessing medical services.
The lanyards provide a discreet way for patients to indicate that they may need additional communication support.
By wearing the lanyard, patients are alerting our staff so they speak clearly, face them directly, or use alternative communication methods.
To request a lanyard for yourself, or a family member, contact our Equality Team.
- Telephone: 028 276 61377
- Email: equality.unit@northerntrust.hscni.net
- Equality Unit, Northern Trust, Route Complex, 8E Coleraine Road, Ballymoney, BT53 6BP.