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The patient should be made aware that although relatives and friends over the age of 16 can be allowed to interpret, they have the choice of requesting a professional, qualified interpreter to provide communication support.
Health Professionals need to be aware that although relatives and friends may speak the same language they might not be competent enough to interpret in a healthcare setting, as interpreting undertaking by persons involved with the patient/client may be distorted. This may be due to over-protectiveness, bias or conflicting interests and may not be conducive to the imparting of confidential information. A risk assessment of each case should be undertaken; if in doubt, arrange professional interpreter."
I don't think it will solve the problems, but there it is for what it's worth.
Stephen James, Head of Partnerships and Diversity, Ealing Primary Care Trust, 1 Armstrong Way, Southall, Middlesex UB2 4SA. Tel: 020 3313 9318. Fax: 020 3313 9618. Email: [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: SUNDARI ANITHA [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 09 April 2009 14:19
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Guide on using family and friends as interpreters
In the research I have recently conducted on domestic violence with South Asian women in the UK, I came across several instances where women were unable to disclose the abuse because they were accompanied by the perpetrator(s) to their GP or the A&E, and these family members were asked to interpret for them. Given the power differentials within relationships and the women's reliance on the perpetrator(s) for access to services when family is used for interpreting, women are not in a position to 'make an informed choice' or even aware that this choice exists. Services need to be extremely cautious about the use of family members as interpreters and about any such attempt to legitimise such practice. (see http://www.oxfam.org.uk/resources/ukpoverty/downloads/forgottenwomen.pdf)
Regards
Anitha
Dr Sundari Anitha
Research Fellow
School of Politics and International Studies
University of Leeds
Leeds LS2 9JT
From: Amjad Taha <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thursday, 9 April, 2009 10:46:37 AM
Subject: Guide on using family and friends as interpreters
Dear Colleague,
The BME Health Forum in Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster is currently doing some work on access to GP and primary care services for BME communities. One of the things we plan to produce as part of this work is a written guide on using family and friends as interpreters. The purpose of this guide is t ensure that patients are aware of the risks of using informal interpreters and to enable them to make an informed choice.
Does anyone know of anything similar that has been produced before? Any relevant information would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Amjad
-------------------
Amjad Taha
BME Health Forum Manager
c/o NHS Westminster
15 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5JD
Tel: 020 7150 8128, fax: 020 7150 8105
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Website: www.westminster-pct.nhs.uk/diversity/bmehealthforum.htm