I went to the hospital or a CT scan not last Monday the Monday before (20th Feb) and it was overall a very good experience. My appointment was for 1pm and when I got there I gave the receptionist my letter and asked if the interpreter had arrived but she had not yet. I went to the waiting room and sent a text message to the interpreter to let them know I had arrived for the appointment. They text back and said they were in another department. Luckily enough I had attended that department in December, so I knew where they were.
The interpreter did come in and I was so relieved. We had a bit of a chat during which they called out my name. I am deaf so would not have heard this if the interpreter had not been with me.
We went through and did bloods, tests and dyes. Then I went through a questionnaire with the interpreter asking about asthma, blood pressure.
I was quite surprised the nurse then said something but my interpreter told them this was out of the boundaries for interpreting.
I went through for the scan.
I was very lucky to have the interpreter there, everyone else had mask on but me and the interpreter didn’t have masks.
The interpreter was beside me as I was laying down for the scan and giving me instructions. They moved behind me when needed so I could still have access to see all the time.
I had to move, gesture, do what the nurses were telling me and hold my breath at certain times. There are indicators to do this but I would not have know or seen if the interpreter was not there.
It was a fantastic appointment, I knew little about it before but had full access to everything because the interpreter was there.
When I had completed the scan a staff member a staff member asked if I wanted a cup of tea and a scone.
It was so lovely and I am so glad I had the interpreter with me, I am naturally nervous.
Had I not had the translator the appointment would have been very difficult especially with them wearing masks which I do understand is also for protecting their own health.
Video of story in BSL
This is a translation by a BSL translator
Video of story in ISL
This is a translation by an ISL translator
"Interpreters at my CT Scan"
About: Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Radiology Altnagelvin Area Hospital Radiology Londonderry BT47 6SB
Posted by aprilmt67 (as ),
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