The aim of this guidance is to give healthcare professionals an overview of the opportunities and challenges faced when working with deaf patients and sign language interpreters during the pandemic. Much of the information contained herein applies to any medical settings and under any circumstances, regardless of the current crisis, access to information and treatment should generally be provided in much the same ways as it has always been. However, some additional precautions should be taken, more information may be necessary, and the mode and set up of any interpreted encounter should be carefully considered to minimise the risks for everyone involved, while complying with the law and public health guidance. The latter does not always explicitly stipulate guidelines for minority groups, and this guide aims to fill the gaps for deaf people and give healthcare professionals more targeted information to base their decisions on.

Guidelines for Booking Interpreters in Healthcare Settings during the COVID-19 Pandemic June 2020