British Sign Language services for patients, service users and carers

Mersey Care has teamed up with Signalise Co-op to provide Sign Language Interpreters and other communication professionals to support service users and, carers accessing the Trust’s services.

Signalise Co-op, an organisation run by members of the local deaf community and British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, can provide support in person or via a 24/7 video service. We know people often prefer face to face BSL but sometimes video can increase access and can be helpful depending on the appointment or situation.

Watch our short video featuring our Chair, Rosie Cooper talking about the importance of supporting people in the deaf community.

Signalise provides the following services:

A dedicated local team
Online booking platform (as well as options to book by email or phone)
Option to book specific interpreters
Option to state preferences of the Deaf user for the sex of their interpreter
Option to request repeat appointments with one interpreter (providing continuity)
Secure and easy to use video interpreting service for short conversations e.g. booking an appointment / telephone triage.

Signalise services can be provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and can be accessed or booked online, by phone or email. More information can be found on their website.

Mersey Care will make the bookings with Signalise on your behalf.

Please tell your healthcare professional what your communication needs are and how we can best help. We will update our computer system so staff know for each appointment and can arrange support.

If you are referred into our services please ask the referrer to share your communications needs with us. We would like to make sure we have what you need in place to make the appointment accessible.