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If English is not your first language, you are entitled to an interpreter free of charge.
We use trained interpreters that can help you understand the medical terms we may use during your care. What is said to you with an interpreter is confidential.
You will be asked if you need an interpreter or information leaflets about your care translated in another language. You can also ask for an interpreter or a translated leaflet if they have not offered to you by a member of staff directly.
Interpreters can support you during your hospital appointments in several ways: they can assist in person, over the phone, or via video call.
Using an interpreter will help you to understand what the doctors and midwives and other staff are saying about the care of you and your baby.
This means you can tell the interpreters what you are feeling and what you need, and this will be translated to the hospital staff.
This is important because when it is hard for you to understand what we are saying to you, your treatment and care may not be right and you might not get the choices you want.
If you are not happy with the interpreter provided you can tell the staff member.
Why should I not use family and friends to translate?
You may want a family or friend for simple tasks such as making appointment. But for medical appointments it may not be appropriate.
- Your friend or family member might not understand everything that is being said by the medical professional.
- Some information may be confidential that you don’t want your friends or family to know.
- Your friend or family member might feel upset or embarrassed by what is said.
- Some information may not be interpreted correctly to avoid embarrassment.
- There may be a time when medical staff have to ask some questions in private with only you.
We understand that sometimes you will only want a family or friend to interpret for you. You will need to ask for this. The staff will check this is correct through an interpreter.
Please note, we cannot allow children under the age of 16 to interpret unless it is an extreme emergency.
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