EMERGENCY OUT OF HOURS SERVICE 087 672 5179
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Text if you need interpreter
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24 hours, every day.
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For Medical / Legal emergencies only
(e.g. Hospital, Garda Station etc.) -
Or Funerals
HSE SLIS GP PRIMARY CARE SERVICE
ABOUT ACCESS
HSE SLIS GP PRIMARY CARE SERVICE
COVID 19: For the duration of the COVID 19 Emergency, the HSE has agreed to extend this scheme to all Deaf ISL users.
ABOUT ACCESS
The HSE and SLIS set up a pilot project in 2016 to arrange sign language interpreters for GP and primary care appointments for Deaf people with medical cards. The pilot (November 2016 to March 2017) was successful and the programme was extended to the end of 2017. The programme has now been running successfully since the pilot programme was introduced.
The HSE has recognised for many years that sign language interpreting is a key to
- better access
- informed consent
- enhanced treatment and
- enhanced health outcomes for the Deaf community.
The HSE National Guidelines on Accessible Health and Social Care Services identify that not providing a qualified sign language interpreter (SLI) when delivering care to a Deaf patient or service user places the health or social care provider in a precarious situation – as well as the Deaf person.
The HSE National Consent Policy requires the use of interpreters to ensure consent for interventions that may have a significant impact on their health and well-being.
However, deaf people often experience health care without an interpreter. Awareness and practice needs to be improved.
SLIS will make doctor appointments with an interpreter and GP for Deaf people with Medical Cards or GP Visit cards. For the duration of the COVID 19 Emergency, the HSE has agreed to extend this scheme to all Deaf ISL users.
GP ACCESS – 4 STEP PROCESS
- CONTACT
The GP or deaf person contacts SLIS to arrange a Sign Language Interpreter for a medical appointment: Email: bookings@slis.ie or Mobile: 087 980 6996
- BOOKING
SLIS arranges and confirms appointment with the GP, interpreter and client.
- ATTENDANCE SHEET
The GP signs the interpreter’s attendance sheet which is then submitted along with their invoice for payment to the HSE.
- INVOICE
The HSE pays the interpreter/invoice. GP Information Helpline Lo-call: 0761 07 8440 Contact: Mary Gavin/ Jenny Cooper. Emergency/Out-of-hours Mobile: 087 672 5179
The HSE National Consent Policy requires the use of interpreters to ensure consent for interventions that may have a significant impact on their health and well-being.
However, deaf people often experience health care without an interpreter. Awareness and practice needs to be improved.
FEEDBACK ON THE PILOT PROJECT
When I’m with an interpreter, I feel satisfied, 100%, from the beginning to the end, and things are explained, so I feel better. – Deaf feedback on GP appointment with interpreter 2017
I saw my client in a totally different way. No comparison! Happy to be contacted again to promote the programme. I can’t say enough about it! It is so easy! I love it! – GP Feedback 2017
GP ACCESS
SLIS will make doctor appointments with an interpreter and GP for Deaf people with Medical Cards or GP Visit cards.
GP ACCESS – 4 STEP PROCESS
1. CONTACT
The GP or deaf person contacts SLIS to arrange a Sign Language Interpreter for a medical appointment: Email: bookings@slis.ie or Mobile: 087 980 6996
2. BOOKING
SLIS arranges and confirms appointment with the GP, interpreter and client.
3. ATTENDANCE SHEET
The GP signs the interpreter’s attendance sheet which includes the Deaf client’s medical card number, and submits an invoice and attendance sheet to SLIS.
4. INVOICE
SLIS pays the interpreter/invoice on behalf of the HSE. GP Information Helpline Lo-call: 0761 07 8442 Contact: Margaret O’Connor. Emergency/Out-of-hours Mobile: 087 672 5179
ABOUT THE DEAF COMMUNITY
The Deaf Community is a group of people who share the same interests, experiences and language. The community consists of those who are Deaf, children of Deaf parents, parents of Deaf children, family, friends, etc. The Deaf community do not see being deaf as an obstacle but work towards full and equal access in all aspects of life.
A vital part of being involved in any community is the ability to communicate with its members. It is usual that a member of the Deaf community would be able to use and understand Irish Sign Language and go to Deaf events.
Remember, the best way to improve you and your child’s ISL is to continually use it. Being involved with the Deaf community is an ideal way to do this.
ABOUT THE SOCIAL FUND
SLIS can arrange interpreters for funerals and hardship cases.
With the cooperation of interpreters, SLIS usually cover the costs from our social fund. Email us with the location date and details here.