If you are not confident communicating with health professionals in English, you are entitled to use a professional interpreter to assist you. You can use interpreters at any NHS clinical appointment, for example, at your GP practice, at the hospital or at the dentist. This is your right.

You should ask for an interpreter when you book an appointment. In some cases the interpreter will come along to the appointment with you. In other cases the interpreter will be on the phone and will help you communicate with the doctor, nurse or dentist in this way. This service is free for you and for GPs and dentists.

To view  the BME Health Forum's interpreting guide for communities in English click here. The interpreting guide is also available in Bangladeshi, and Somali.

To view NHS Westminster’s quick interpreting guide for professionals click here.

To view NHS Westminster’s comprehensive interpreting guide for professionals click here.