BSL Interpreters longer appointments needed.
Being born deaf and relying on a BSL Interpreter to help with communication in hospital is stressful. I as an outpatient in eye hospital now have 3 appointments in 1, with waiting periods between : Reading Eye Test Field vision test Seeing a consultant A BSL interpreter is booked for 2 hr session. Time does run out forcing the interpreter, on behalf of me, to remind and hurry nurses for the next test to take in time for consultancy. Last time my interpreter was only booked for less than 1 hr and had to leave on time for next appointment. When with consultant I felt under pressure to rush through - thus not satisfied afterwards. Not fair as the consultancy was the most important of all appointments. I have accepted three appointments in one go as I live long way (travel by bus, or taxi if I have to be there by 9am) and don’t wish for 2 day trips! To be fair the consultant was aware of the problem and apologized for NHS!