New sign language video service launched in pharmacies

Scots who rely on sign language can now use a new video interpreting service when communicating with pharmacists.

From Saturday, people who use British Sign Language (BSL) for any reason in Scotland can use the Contact Scotland BSL Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) programme, introduced by the Scottish Government.

The pilot will run for six months, and comes after ministers engaged with the nation’s deaf community.

The programme allows users to connect with an interpreter through their smartphone, meaning they can communicate with pharmacists regarding minor illnesses such as colds, coughs and flus.

The service, which requires no prior booking, aims to help BSL users who have faced communication barriers.

Public health minister Maree Todd said: “Pharmacy First is a vital service that gives quick and easy access to advice and treatment for everyday health concerns, often without needing an appointment.

“Now deaf BSL users can also walk into any pharmacy and receive the same fast, independent healthcare advice as everyone else.

“This is removing barriers and ensuring BSL users are not left waiting or without support when they need it. I want to help people access more services at their fingertips, in their communities and closer to home.

“Scotland is the first part of the UK to have a fully funded free-to-use service which has been shaped by the views of BSL users themselves, and this pilot is the next step in expanding access. I thank everyone who helped the Scottish Government bring this forward.”

A spokesperson for Community Pharmacy Scotland said: “We are pleased to see that this initiative seeks to enhance the experience of people who use BSL.

“We expect that pharmacy teams will have even greater confidence that they are understanding and meeting the needs of the people in their surrounding areas.”

Contact Scotland BSL interpreters are supplied by Sign Solutions, and managing director Clare Vale said: “We are delighted to see the VRI pilot now live, marking a significant milestone for the Contact Scotland BSL service.

“This is an important step towards improving access to pharmacy services for deaf and deafblind BSL users across Scotland. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on accessibility.”