New interpreter and translation services for use in GP surgeries

This engagement is now closed. Thank you to everyone who took part and gave feedback.

New interpreter and translation services for use in GP surgeries

The local NHS is looking to procure new translation and interpreter services for people to use when they go to their GP surgery. This includes people whose first language is not English and people who communicate through British Sign Language (BSL).

The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) is the new organisation that controls the total NHS spend for the area. It wants to hear from people who use the services to see what is working well, and what they would like to change. The current interpreter services are mainly provided through ASSIST, dDeaflinks and VISS. Translation services are currently mainly provided by Language Line.

The ICB held two focus groups in September to gather feedback from residents in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent . The focus groups were used to specifically gather feedback on those who use interpretation services. Translation services will be looked at separately.  The two focus groups for interpreter services were:  

• Friday 2 September, 10:15am until 11:15am, Rising Brook Baptist Church Centre, Burton Square, Stafford, ST17 9LT (this event will be looking at services provided by ASSIST) 
• Monday 12 September, 12pm – 1pm The Bridge Centre, Birches Head Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 8DD (this event will be looking at services provided by dDeaflinks and VISS)