At Darent Valley Hospital we actively encourage the promotion of equal access to its services by fully acknowledging the personal, religious, linguistic and cultural needs of patients and their families.
The interpreting service aims to provide a high quality professional interpreting and signing service that is appropriate, acceptable and accessible. This is achieved by using qualified and experienced interpreters who offer their services in a wide range of languages on a strictly confidential basis. We work to ensure that people are not disadvantaged because of language or communication difficulties.
All staff and health professionals aim to ensure that anyone who has difficulty in expressing themselves or understanding English has access to this service.
Interpreting services at Darent Valley Hospital are provided via telephone or face to face. Our interpreters are reliable and punctual. For face to face meetings, the interpreters will present themselves at the appropriate venue of appointment with identification, introducing themselves to a named contact person. If you choose to have a friend or relative interpret for you we are more than happy to comply with request, but please let us know if you no longer wish to have an intrepreter arranged for you.
Meeting your signing needs - British Sign Language
Registered CACDP (Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People) qualified interpreters are used to communicate in British Sign Language.
If you require an interpreter/signer
Please notify the person responsible for your referral (e.g. your GP) that you will require an interpreters/signer for your hospital appointment/admission.
Cancellation
If you need to cancel an appointment which has an interpreter booked, please notify the hospital (via the telephone number on your appointment letter) as soon as possible to enable us to cancel the interpreter. Telephone 01322 428100 (switchboard) if you do not have the direct contact number.
If you do not attend your booked appointment and have failed to notify the hospital, we will not be able to guarantee an intrepreter for any future appointments and you may need to provide your own.
Hearing loop
The Trust has 5 hearing loop systems, one at the main reception in the foyer and four in the outpatients department to ensure patients with hearing loss are able to communicate and receive information given to them by the staff. In addition the Trust has 5 listeners which are portable, these can be used by patients with hearing aids and those who are heard of hearing.
The listeners can be borrowed from Lesley Goldsmith on 01322 428794.
Support for people with learning and literacy disabilities
People who have learning and literacy difficulties may need a bit more time and have very individual needs. Please visit the Equality and Diversity section of the website for more details.
Patient information leaflets - alternative languages
Darent Valley Hospital has a range of patient information leaflets which can be converted into different languages.
Website in alternative languages
Please use the Google translater located at the bottom of this page to convert this website into the language of your choice.
