The Health Board has improved access to British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation for those using our services. There are now a number of video interpretation options for those occasions where face to face interpretation is not required or available. This ensures BSL interpretation is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

• All public authorities and voluntary organisations in Scotland can be contacted through the Government funded ContactSCOTLAND-BSL. BSL users can access ContactSCOTLAND-BSL by downloading the app or via a computer. Staff can call BSL users via ContactScotland-BSL by phoning 0131 510 4555 and giving the person’s name or extension number (if known). More information can be found at https://contactscotland-bsl.org.
• BSL video interpreting is now also available for staff to access via InterpreterNow. We have introduced dedicated iPads for BSL video interpreting in the Emergency Department and Maternity (currently situated in the Birthing Suite). In other areas, staff can access BSL video interpretation via web by visiting https://interpreternow.co.uk/ and logging in (see below).
• BSL video interpreting can be accessed by BSL users by downloading the InterpreterNow app. The app now has a NHS Dumfries and Galloway ‘button’ which can be used for communicating with any of our health services, including GPs and Dentists. More information can be found at https://interpreternow.co.uk.