An introduction to SignVideo
SignVideo is a free service through our Horse Health Programme (HHP) for hearing impaired clients who use British Sign Language (BSL), which enables stress free communication with our veterinary practice, either face-to-face in the hospital or via telephone using a videophone, laptop, PC, smartphone or tablet with video and sound.
The service works using video calls connected to fully qualified BSL interpreters and enables hearing impaired clients to communicate through SignVideo either by calling the practice from home or when attending the hospital for consultations or advice.
To access the service, clients must have access to their own videophone, laptop, PC, smartphone or tablet with their own data.
Connect to the SignVideo service and a live BSL interpreter
Who can use the service
The service is available to all hearing impaired clients who are registered with Bell Equine who can use BSL. New clients can access the service to book an initial appointment and / or for the purpose of registration with the practice.
Although the SignVideo service is offered via our Horse Health Programme, clients who wish to use this service do not need to be a member of the programme prior to accessing the service. However, if you would like to learn more about HHP, or if you are an existing member and want to contact the HHP team, you can contact the HHP contact centre via SignVideo HERE.
Operating hours: 8:00AM to 6PM Monday-Friday (excl Bank Holidays)
SignVideo is an on–demand service, which is not pre-bookable*. The service is available from 8.00am – 6.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).
Every effort will be made to answer video calls quickly, if there is simultaneous demand however, there may be a waiting time.
*Should there be a need for a specific appointment on a predetermined date and time within the hours above, in certain circumstances it may be possible to pre-book by contacting the interpreting team via this LINK, giving them full details. Pre-bookings however, are not guaranteed and may not be available.
Equipment required
To use the SignVideo service, you will need to check your equipment meets the minimum system requirements:
- A PC or MAC with webcam.
- Browsers: Chrome (PC and Mac), Firefox (PC and Mac), Mac Safari 11, iOS11 Safari and Android 4.0 upwards.
- Bandwidth minimum 512kbps
- Recommended 1 mbps upload for HD Video
- Maximum 1.5 mbsp.
Please note: SignVideo is a free service when connected to Wi-Fi, but if using 3G, 4G or a data service, it will be part of your data cost.
How to contact the practice from home
Simply click on the SignVideo link above which will take you directly through to the service, or alternatively, click HERE to be connected to a BSL interpreter.
You will connect to the SignVideo service and a live BSL interpreter. You can sign to the interpreter your reason for contacting the practice and the interpreter will make the phonecall for you. The interpreter will speak to our reception team and sign the receptionist’s responses to you via the live video link, and pass on your responses and questions to the receptionist.
How to use the service in the practice
On arrival at Bell Equine, hearing impaired clients can indicate to our reception team that they wish to use this service. The SignVideo App (which can be downloaded via the link above) on your device can be used to connect to a live BSL interpreter. Once on-line, switch the device on to loudspeaker.
You will them be able to sign the purpose of your visit to the interpreter who will speak to our receptionist on your behalf. The interpreter will sign back our receptionist’s responses. If required, this two-way communication channel can be used during a consultation too.
Here is a short video which further explains the SignVideo service.