Bi-lingual Health Advocacy and Translations

Service details

What is bilingual health advocacy?

Bilingual advocacy/interpretation service:

  • is for patients who do not speak English
  • provides advice, information and support to help people access and use health services
  • educates health services about cultural norms so they can provide care and treatment in a culturally sensitive way.  

Who is the service for?

People who do not speak English and need support when they have a health appointment.

Bilingual health advocates or interpreters are provided where possible. 

Telephone interpreting is available in the hospital and at GP practices to help with communication with health care professionals.


What is the difference between advocates and interpreters?

  • an interpreter will interpret for the patient and the health professional to ensure that they can both understand and communicate with each other using a common language
  • an advocate will also interpret, but in addition will support patients ensuring they have the knowledge, understanding and confidence needed to make informed decisions and to get the care and services they need. They will also refer them to other organisations that can assist them. 

There is an open referral system which means patients, carers and health workers can refer to the service.

Please make referrals using the contact details for the service. 


Will I have to pay for this service?

Individuals do not have to pay for the service. However, the hospital pays for bilingual health advocates' and interpreters time, so cancellations must be notified at least 48 hours in advance.


What if you can't help me?

If the service can't provide the help you need, they can advise about other services that can help. 

However please note; this is a health service and can not provide benefits, housing, environmental health, social services or immigration advice.


Hospital Advocacy Service

46/48 Clifden Road,

Homerton Hospital

Homerton Row

London E9 6SR

 

Phone: 020 8510 7179

email: huh-tr.advocacy.hospitalrequests@nhs.net

 

 

Community Advocacy Service

Phone: 020 76834024

email: huh-tr.advocacy.communityrequests@nhs.net

Community Lead/Deputy Service Manager

Marina Ostapenko

Phone: 020 7683 4163

email: marina.ostapenko@nhs.net

 

Service Manager

Jane Welch

Phone: 020 8510 7709

email:jane.welch2@nhs.net

 

SEND Local Offer

Local Offer Age Bands
Early Years and Pregnancy 0-4
Primary 4 -10
Secondary 11-14
Preparing for Adulthood 14-18
Young Adults 18 - 25
Parents and Carers
SEN Provision Type
  • Universal

Who to contact

Telephone
Community health service for GP's: 020 7683 4024 Community health service for GP's: 020 7683 4024 Hospital based services: 020 8510 7179 Hospital based services: 020 8510 7179
E-mail
[huh-tr.advocacy.hospitalrequests@nhs.net, huh-tr.advocacy.communityrequests@nhs.net]
Website
www.homerton.nhs.uk/bi-lingual-health-advocacy-and-translations
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Where to go

Name
Hospital Advocacy Service - Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Advocacy Office (46 - 48 Clifden)
Homerton Hospital - Homerton Row
Hackney
London
Postcode

E9 6SR

View E9 6SR on a map
Venue Notes

Buses: 26, 30, 236, 242, 276, 308, 394, 425, 488, W15

Train: Homerton

Parking: Free but limited spaces for patients & visitors at the hospital. Disabled parking available

Time / Date Details

Time of day
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
Session Information
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Patients are seen by appointment only.
The service does it's best to help in genuine emergencies.

Other details

Who is eligible?

For health services only. 

Patients must have an appointment with:

  • a Homerton Community service
  • a Hackney GP
  • in Homerton Hospital or
  • another NHS service based in Hackney 
Referral required?

Yes

Referral Details

Members of the public can make self-referrals or refer friends or family by telephoning or emailing.

What to do if you have a complaint

If you have a concern about a service you received please speak to a member of staff to see if they can help resolve it. 

If you are still not satisfied with the outcome and want to make a formal complaint about your care and treatment or that of your relative or friend, please write to:

Complaints Service, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Homerton Row, London E9 6SR

The service can also be contacted Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm by phone:

020 8510 5113 

Alternatively contact PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)

or via email: huh-tr.PALS.service@nhs.net

e-mail: huh-tr.pals.service@nhs.net

Phone: 020 8510 7315 - out of office hours voicemail service available

Textphone: 07584 445 400

Web: www.homerton.nhs.uk/patient-advice-liaison-service-pals

Costs

  • Free

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