British Sign Language (BSL) users now have their own way of making urgent medical calls to the NHS 111 service.
The service has been designed for BSL users who want to speak to someone about medical concerns which they feel do not require an immediate ambulance. The advisers can pass callers onto a nurse, emergency dentist or a GP. They can also assess if a caller really needs to be taken to hospital and can arrange an ambulance if necessary.
Using the webcam on a computer or the InterpreterNow app on a tablet or smartphone you can now make a video call to a BSL interpreter. The interpreter telephones an NHS 111 adviser and relays your conversation with them. The NHS 111 adviser will ask you questions to assess your symptoms, then give you the healthcare advice you need or direct you straightaway to the local service that can help you best. Where possible the NHS 111 team will book you an appointment or transfer you directly to the people you need to speak to.
The BSL service opens from 8am to midnight at the moment but the general number can be contacted at any time. For general information look at the NHS 111 site and you can find out more details about how to use the service by looking at the BSL Online User Guide here.
