Translation Services
NHS Telephone Interpreting is available to community pharmacies across NHS Lothian. The interpretation service is run through a company called The Big Word and is free of charge to dial in to from both a landline and a mobile phone. This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
To access the service, dial the free phone number 03333 44 94 73, then enter an access code followed by the # key. Use the access code for the area of Lothian that your pharmacy is located, as below:
| Edinburgh | 88 900 005# |
| East & Midlothian | 88 900 006# |
| West Lothian | 88 900 007# |
You will then be prompted to enter a PIN, which is your 4 digit contractor code.
You will then be asked to enter the code for the language you require. Codes for the commonly requested languages are shown on the attached document where you will also find instructions on how to access any less commonly requested languages.
Once you are connected, give the interpreter a brief outline of the situation and then continue your conversation with the patient/representative as opposed to the interpreter.
- Instructions on how to access the service including codes for commonly requested languages
- A hints and tips guide for making the most of your call
- A language identification chart
Foreign Languages on Dispensing Labels
You can use the Translabel website to generate additional labels with common dosage instructions in several common languages. This website is shared and endorsed by CPS.
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Last updated 13/05/25 EBR