Sign Solutions
If a deaf or hard of hearing patient requires use of a signing service, an interpreter can be booked through Sign Solutions.
To make a request for an interpreter, call 0121 447 9620 and press option 1 to speak to the OOH team. Please quote ‘BrisDoc Healthcare Services’ so that our account can be located, and assistance provided.
You can request in-person or remote video interpreters. If it is via video, advise them that we will be using the AccuRx platform and once they have located someone, they will provide you with their email address for you to invite them.
To start your consult, you should send the SMS text with the video invite as usual to the patient. You then have 2 options:
- On your confirmation email you can copy the invite link and send this on to your interpreter, or
- If the confirmation email is not received, you can open your video consult and then copy the URL from the top of the webpage and send on to your interpreter
The longer in advance you can book this, the better, and you may need to liaise between the patient and Sign Solutions to optimise the appointment time. Please advise the Shift Manager so that it can be documented we have used the service.
Relay UK
Relay UK helps deaf, speech-impaired, and hearing people talk to each other over the phone using the relay service.
1. Call 18002 or their Text Number
Many Relay UK app and textphone users have TextNumbers. These are unique numbers that connect callers to the deaf or speech-impaired person and a Relay Assistant without having to dial 18002 first.
TextNumbers start with 03306 or 07777.
If the number does not start with either of these, dial 18002 followed by the full phone number (including the dialling code).
2. You’ll connect to a Relay Assistant
You'll hear an automated message to let you know that the other person has connected while you wait for a Relay Assistant to join. When the Relay Assistant is connected, they'll act as a relay between you and the deaf or speech-impaired person.
3. Can the person you’re calling talk?
If the person you're calling can talk but can't hear, they may choose to speak to you directly and read your responses as the Relay Assistant types them.
4. Start the conversation
When it's your turn to speak, talk directly to the deaf or speech impaired person. The Relay Assistant will type everything you say and that's everything so please don't speak too quickly.
It's just like a normal conversation except you pause while the Relay Assistant types what you've said and the other person types their reply.
5. Finish the call
When you've finished your conversation just hang up as normal.