The Business Services Organisation (BSO) Interpreting Service is commissioned by the Department of Health to provide foreign language interpreting support to Health and Social Care (HSC) providers in Northern Ireland (NI).

Providing an Interpreter:

• ensures clear, accurate and impartial communication
• minimises risk of misdiagnosis, misunderstanding and non-consent
• reduces times/costs associated with repeat appointments, prolonged appointments, unnecessary admission to hospital
• complies with legislative requirements: Race Relations (NI) Order 1997; Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998

BSO manages an approved register of over 475 trained, self-employed, community Interpreters covering a range of 39 different languages. HSC Interpreters play a vital role in ensuring that HSC Staff and Patients can communicate effectively in HSC settings.  Interpreters make a real difference in people’s lives by:

• enabling clear, accurate, confidential and impartial communication between HSC Staff and Patients/Clients
• assisting HSCNI Services to provide safe and responsive services
• reducing risk of misdiagnosis and misunderstanding

Please make the admin team aware if you require an interpreter for your appointment.