Developing good communication

Good communication is essential for overcoming barriers to accessing health care. The language and communication area of this website provides guidance and links to useful resources on:

• Working with interpreters and bilingual advocates
• Telephone interpretation, such as NHS Direct
• Translated materials
• Multi-lingual appointment cards

Refugees need to be provided with information in a language they understand. A range of resources have been developed that support access. For example:

• The online Multilingual Appointment Card available on HARPWEB
• The British Red Cross and Department of Health’s Emergency Multilingual Phrasebook in 36 languages. This covers the most common medical questions and terms to help first contact staff communicate with patients who do not speak English and make an initial assessment while an interpreter is contacted. It has been sent to all Accident and Emergency Departments in England.