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Communications support

Every day, North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (NEAS) responds to thousands of patients across the region, of which many face communication barriers, such as a hearing impairment, information in easy read or little understanding of the English language.

Whether it’s over the phone or in person, additional support is available to enable all patients to access our services.

Our health advisors have access to interpreters for callers to 999 and NHS111 who require translation services. We also use a text relay service for patients who are deaf.

Our frontline crews also have access to an interactive online tool, which contains easy to understand pictures for common ailments to allow patients to show the clinician what is wrong and, in turn, allow the clinician to show patient what they are doing and why, and what will happen next.

The guide also provides direct access to interpreters and contains guidance for communicating with patients with specific needs, such as visually impaired and deaf blind patients, as well as basic information about customs relating to entering homes, treatment and death for some faith groups.

For more information about how we can support you to access our services, please email diversity@neas.nhs.uk