Interpreting services

If you do not speak English as a first language, use sign language (BSL) or have a learning difficulty, our in-house Bilingual Health Advocacy and Interpreting Service can help.

This can be arranged in advance of your appointment by the reception staff of the department/ward that you are attending. Please remember your request must come through the department's reception staff, and they will be happy to help you. Languages that are covered in-house are Bengali/Sylheti, Cantonese/Vietnamese, Turkish, Somali, Polish, Hindi/Urdu, Gujarati, Russian, Romanian and French.

Please be aware on some occasions face-to-face is not always possible, for this telephone Interpreting can be arranged again by the department/ward and this can be done on the day of your appointment and can be accessed 24/7.

St Bartholomew’s, Mile End and The Royal London Hospitals

Telephone: 020 7377 7000 and ask the operator to put you through to the department/ward you will be attending.

Newham University Hospital

Telephone: 020 7476 4000 and ask the operator to put you through to the department/ward you will be attending.

Whipps Cross University Hospital

Telephone: 020 8539 5522 and ask the operator to put you through to the department/ward you will be attending.

Text Relay service for Deaf people

Our dedicated number is 18002 and then add in the number you are wanting to phone. It is available 24/7 for deaf people to access emergency services through interpreters across our hospitals. 

The text relay service is available for Deaf people to use. For details information and contact information, visit the Next Generation website.