Evaluating Translation and Interpretation Services in MK
We collaborated with three other local Healthwatch to evaluate translation and interpreting services across hospitals, GP practices, dentists, pharmacies, opticians, and community health services.
What did we do?
Together with Healthwatch Luton, Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire, we mapped and evaluated the translation and interpretation services on offer to residents and patients in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK). Our aims where to:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of current translation and interpretation services across the BLMK ICB footprint.
- Contribute to the BLMK map of translation/interpretation services.
- Collect feedback from service users, carers, and the workforce regarding current language provision across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
- Contribute to and publish an overarching BLMK Healthwatch report with actionable recommendations on next steps.
Our recommendations
- To avoid variance in the systems that have developed to book Translation and Interpreting services, and improve consistency, it is recommended that a standard operating procedure or guidance be developed to clarify booking responsibilities for providers.
- Provide system-wide training or development in cultural competency, disability awareness, Equality and Diversity and the legal obligation to ensure adherence to this legislation.
- Develop and disseminate standardised, publicly available information in other languages and formats which includes information about patient rights to interpreters and how to request these.
- Neighbourhood working models rely heavily on organisations outside of the NHS to improve service integration and outcomes for residents. BLMK ICB should consider ways to ensure that these organisations have the same access to Translating and Interpreting services and the resources, training and guidance as the statutory services.
Read the full report
Evaluating Translation and Interpretation Services in MK
