The GHA has announced a new QR code-based British Sign Language interpreting service, providing deaf persons with faster and more accessible communication support across healthcare facilities and ambulances.

A statement from the GHA follows below:

Gibraltar Health Authority has announced the rollout of the Convo BSL remote interpreting service, a major upgrade to communication accessibility for deaf persons across all our healthcare facilities. The new system operates by means of QR codes, offering a more specialised and patient-centred experience than was previously available. 

The key advantages of the service includes near instant BSL interpreter connection times, higher video quality and 24/7 availability. It also provides much more flexibility, removing the need to book the dedicated device that was formerly required for this purpose. 

GHA ambulances will also be fitted with Convo QR codes, enabling paramedics to access a BSL interpreter instantly during emergency responses to ensure that deaf patients receive clear and direct communication support from the very first point of contact. 

GHA Director General Dr Paul Bosio said: “I would like to thank Daniel Romero and his team for this great disability support initiative which strengthens accessibility for deaf persons in a manner that meets their healthcare needs and also improves their clinical safety. This is a significant step forward in our support for these service users.” 

The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias Vasquez, said: “We are delighted to see the rollout of this enhanced system to greatly assist communication accessibility for deaf patients in Gibraltar. This service has been introduced through a collaborative effort between the GHA Neurodevelopment and Disability Support Office and the Government’s Supported Needs and Disability Office. In keeping with our policy, these teams continue to advance accessibility, reduce communication barriers and ensure that all patients receive dignified, inclusive care.”