Need an Interpreter for a Sexual Health Visit?Ask When Booking

If you need language support for a sexual health appointment, raise it when contacting the clinic. Ask about its interpreter arrangements rather than assuming a friend can translate.

Explain what you need

Try: “I need an interpreter for this appointment. The language I need is ____. How should I request one through your service?”

Oxford’s Churchill Hospital sexual health clinic says arranging interpreting can take time. It asks patients needing an interpreter to book face-to-face and state their language; friends or relatives cannot translate there. These are that clinic’s arrangements.¹

Clarify your own appointment

Try: “Which appointment format should I book with your service? How will you confirm the interpreter arrangements?”

Have the team explain its process before relying on another clinic’s instructions.

Ask about an unresolved request

Try: “Whom should I contact if the interpreter arrangements are still unclear?”

Keep that contact with your appointment details. Tell the clinic about a current health concern when requesting care, as well as the language support you need.

Down There, Decoded includes an appointment script. Use it to organize the booking questions you want answered. See the book.