Romford Deaf Club
The Romford Deaf Club for residents aged 50+ meets on the first and third Thursday of each month from 11:00-13:00. Please text or email the club beforehand so that someone...
Resources > Healthy Community
Support for d/Deaf & Hard of Hearing residents
If you're d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing, there is support for you if you need it.
Your rights:
- It is your right to have communication support.
- Services must arrange it for you.
- You should never be told to book your own interpreter.
Your right to an interpreter - NHS & Council services in Havering
If you are d/Deaf or hard of hearing you have the right to free communication support when you use NHS or council services. This includes a BSL interpreter, lipspeaker, or other communication support.
During your appointment, please ensure that you ask your clinician any questions that you would like answered relating to the condition you’re there for via your interpreter. Medical issues can be complex, and it’s natural to have questions and need time to process the answers.
You do NOT have to book or pay for your own interpreter.
- The service you are using must arrange this for you
- It is their legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 and the Accessible Information Standard.
- This applies to all NHS services (GPs, clinics, mental health, community health, Dentist appointments) and Havering Council services.
How to get an interpreter for NHS or council appointments in Havering
- Tell the service when you book your appointment that you need a BSL interpreter (or other communication support).
- They will arrange this for you.
- You do not have to find or pay for the interpreter yourself.
For hospital services (BHRUT - Queen's Hospital and King George Hospital)
If you have a hospital appointment and need an interpreter:
- Contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).
PALS will arrange the interpreter for your hospital appointment.
- Phone: 01708 435 454 (Text Relay available)
- Email: bhrut.pals@nhs.net
Romford Deaf Club
If you are d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing and would like to socialise with other people from the Deaf community, we have an active Deaf Club in Havering for those aged 55 plus.
They meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month in Romford.
Related Services
Related services
Romford Deaf Club
The Romford Deaf Club for residents aged 50+ meets on the first and third Thursday of each month from 11:00-13:00.
