How to access BSL/English interpreter?

BSL interpreters can be booked in advance for your healthcare appointment. There are many ways on how NHS Grampian can provide this service to Deaf/BSL users.

If you are the Deaf/BSL user patient or family of a Deaf/BSL user

Option 1.

Deaf/BSL user can text or email BSL interpreters to attend NHS health appointments

Sally Fraser-Hay - 07746 348365 / fraser.hay96@gmail.com 

Elaine Campbell - 07856 907789 / ec40@icloud.com 

Colin Eagleson - 07528 633607 / colineaglebsl@outlook.com 

You can also contact NESS (North East Sensory Services) for assistance - 07593 102004 / info@nesensoryservices.org 

The BSL interpreter needs to contact the department or GP before they can attend the appointment and be authorised by a budget holder or manager. Patients have to provide information about the appointment (date, time, location of appointment, telephone of GP/department).

Option 2.

You can inform NHS Grampian staff that you need an interpreter and staff will arrange a BSL interpreter.

a. If you have a hospital letter, this may include the email address of the department. You can email the department and inform them that you need a BSL interpreter.

b. BSL user can use ContactScotland BSL video relay service https://contactscotland-bsl.org  This service is free and provides instant BSL video interpreting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

c. If you have an appointment in any of these NHS Grampian hospitals: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, Aberdeen Maternity or Woodend Hospital, you can email gram.interpreterbooking@nhs.scot Please provide you name, CHI or date of birth, date and time of appointment, location of appointment and preferred BSL interpreter (if any).

Types of Appointments

1. In-person or face-to-face appointment

Most clinical appointments of patients with clinicians are in-person or face-to-face. The BSL interpreter must be booked in advance.

2. Video Consultation (via Near Me)

Some appointments are can be offered via video consultation (Near Me). A BSL interpreter can be booked in advance to join the video consultation. Near Me is a video consulting service that enables people attend appointments from home or other convenient locations. www.nearme.scot

Online Video BSL Interpreter with Convo Now (NEW)

Some departments or GPs have Convo Now. Convo Now gives instant access to online video BSL interpreter (no pre-booking required) for in-person appointments with a clinician.

Convo Now is available in ED (A&E), hospital departments and some GP Practices.

The online video BSL interpreter provides quick access to a BSL interpreter.

For more information, Please email: gram.equalitydiversity@nhs.scot 

Published: 16/12/2025 10:46