The local NHS is looking to procure new translation and interpreter services for people to use when they go to their GP surgery.
The current interpreter services are provided through a range of local and national providers including ASSIST, dDeaflinks and VISS. Translation services are mainly provided by Language Line.
The Integrated Care Board (ICB) for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent is the new organisation which controls the total NHS spend for the area. The ICB is holding two focus groups in September to gather feedback from residents in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent . The focus groups will be used to specifically gather feedback on those who use interpretation services. Translation services will be looked at separately. The two focus groups for interpreter services are:
· Friday 2 September, 10:15am until 11:15am, Rising Brook Baptist Church Centre, Burton Square, Stafford, ST17 9LT (this event will be looking at services provided by ASSIST)
· Monday 12 September, 12pm – 1pm, The Bridge Centre, Birches Head Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 8DD(this event will be looking at services provided by dDeaflinks and VISS)
British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters will be at both of these events.
If you are unable to attend the focus groups in September, you can share your views via this survey here: https://nhs.researchfeedback.net/s.asp?k=165607484463. The survey will close at 11pm on 18 September 2022. If you have any questions about this engagement, please email [email protected] or call 0333 150 2155.