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Improving communication for patients with specific needs
Written by Communications Team   

The outpatient department at St Peter’s hospital has recently opened a Communications Resource room, to help patients with specific communication needs.

The room offers a private and quiet place for individual consultations and is set up with specific communication equipment to give patients extra support.

The room has a built in hearing loop system for patients who use a hearing aid, and also offers access - via an online service - to sign language interpreting. This works by using a webcam to film the patient, who in turn can view a sign language interpreter via the computer screen. The doctor or nurse would communicate with the interpreter via the telephone. The service can also offer sign language in a variety of other languages as well as a range of printed patient information. 
 
  
 
 
The room is also equipped with a dedicated Language Line telephone, which is a double handset allowing both the patient and the member of staff to speak directly, via their individual handsets, to an interpreter at the other end. Language Line offers a 24/7 telephone translation service in a large number of foreign languages.

Outpatient Matron Di Lashbrook comments; “The resource room is making a real difference for our patients with additional communication needs. Having a dedicated and relaxed space, with all the relevant equipment in one place, makes this kind of communication much easier both for patients and for staff.”