Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman’s Office (NIPSO) have recently published ‘Lost in Translation’, an overview report produced by the Own Initiative team into the provision of interpreting services in GP practices for patients who are not proficient in English. This is the first in a series of overview reports into issues that are creating potential barriers to accessing healthcare.
The report made a number of findings, including concerningly low numbers of practices requesting interpreting support and a lack of publicly available information regarding the availability of free interpreting services. It also highlighted the challenges patients may face when seeking an appointment where an interpreter is required.
Among its 11 recommendations, it suggests that:
- the availability of interpreting services information should be improved,
- the limitations of telephone interpretation are reviewed and improved
- mechanisms are put in place to allow patients to indicate their need for an interpreter at the earliest possible stage.
Improved mechanisms to allow both GP and patient feedback are also recommended, as well as providing additional information on how to make a complaint.
