November 2020

A procurement process is currently underway for language and interpreting arrangements for NHS primary care services in the North East.

The NHS England Public Health team responsible for commissioning this service wanted views on what has worked well and what could be improved within the current service.

Interpretation and translation services are provided free to patients accessing primary care services. This means access to spoken and non-spoken word interpretation when seeing a GP, dentist, pharmacist or optometrist, for example.

We know that difficulties accessing health care for Deaf and non-English speakers increase health inequalities – and therefore views from those who have used this service directly as well as clinicians, community groups and stakeholders were sought.

The formal engagement period has now ended. Feedback will be used to shape how these services will look going forward.