Working With Diversity, Northern Ireland Section 75 Equality Scheme Advice

Staff Guidelines for Working with Interpreters

Clarification of Terminology:

Interpreting - Transfer of the spoken word from one language into another

Translation - Transfer of the written word from one language into another

Sight Translation - The interpreter gives an oral translation of a text - leaflet

Minority Ethnic languages - Languages spoken by minority ethnic groups

Information needed to book an interpreter:

Name / Language (Dialect) of the Patient/Client
Name and role of practitioner and HSS contact person
Day, date, time and probable duration of the appointment
Exact location of the appointment
The General Nature of the appointment

To request a booking form email interpreting@belfasttrust.hscni.net

It is recommended you email your completed booking form to interpreting@belfasttrust.hscni.net a minimum of 48 hours before the appointment.

Emergency or last minute appointments will be accommodated according to availability.

NIHSCIS Code of Practice and Guidelines on Booking Interpreters for HSC Staff and Practitioners:

http://www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services/1834.htm

WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR PROFESSIONAL INTERPRETERS?

THE ETHICAL CASE

Not providing Interpreters means a significant proportion of minority ethnic groups do not have access to the same services in the same way as the rest of the population

The Ethical Case can also be illustrated by the potential consequences of not providing an Interpreter. In the worse-case scenario misdiagnosis or misunderstanding could seriously aggravate an illness, or cause the death of a patient

“ I never realised my husband would die. I thought he would get better. Maybe the Doctor told me many, many times but I did not understand”

THE BUSINESS CASE

There is a strong business case for supplying Interpreters as costs are quickly recovered in the medium term

Communication barriers prolong appointments, take up more staff time, can lead to potential for misdiagnosis, misunderstanding and non-consent to examination, treatment or care

There are cases of persons who were not provided with Interpreters returning to see their GP on numerous occasions and going through various treatments until their condition was addressed

THE LEGAL CASE

“The Race Relations (NI) Order 1997 places a legal duty on the way in which establishments provide their services… failing to provide interpreting facilities in relation to service provision, when it is known that there is a language barrier, could be construed as unlawful racial discrimination.”

Refusing to provide an Interpreter leaves Health and Social Services Organisations open to litigation

THE DANGERS OF USING UNTRAINED INTERPRETERS

Interpreting is a specific skill and profession. Using an untrained person as an 'Interpreter' is bad practice and can be dangerous.

Dangers of using untrained Interpreters include:

Lack of fluency in English or the other Language
Inaccurate Interpreting/lack of Interpreting Skills
No obligation to maintain confidentiality, honesty and impartiality
Lack of knowledge in the subject matter and terminology
Possible misuse of trust, power and information
Conflict of Interests

The role of a Community Interpreter: a summary

“Facilitate communication with appropriate cultural sensitivity'
To be bilingual and to know how to interpret
To interpret accurately
To be impartial
To maintain confidentiality
Resist the temptation to speak for the patient
To clarify cultural issues
To be aware of cultural or circumstantial issues
To challenge incidents of racism or discrimination
To signpost client/patients

PREPARING FOR COMPLEX SESSIONS

THE PRE-INTERVIEW SESSION

Recommended for more complex / specific appointments
Gives Practitioner opportunity for presenting factual information about the case and context
Gives the Practitioner/Interpreter opportunity to clarify terminology, procedures, forms to be filled in
Opportunity to discuss cultural information – but without stereotyping
Try not to give opinions that could affect the Interpreters impartiality

THE INTERPRETING SESSION

· Allow time for introductions

· Seating – Sit in triangle layout

Practitioner

Patient/Client Interpreter

Speak clearly
Speak directly to the Patient – not to the Interpreter
Avoid using double negatives, ambiguous phrases and unnecessary jargon
Let the interpreter take notes

HOW TO ARRANGE AN INTERPRETER

Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm:

Tel: 028 90563794

Email Interpreter Booking Form to NIHSCIS

interpreting@belfasttrust.hscni.net

Out of Hours:

Call the Out of Hours Centre

Tel: 028 9056 3794

INTERPRETING TRAINING

Interpreters must undergo training before they can register with NIHSCIS. The Service offers a 4 day Conversion Course for Interpreters who have completed the STEP or NICEM Courses, or a 12 week NIOCN Accredited Community Interpreting Course for those with no previous Interpreter Training.

Please find the Course Application Form and guidance notes below. Completed forms should be returned to:

NIHSCIS

Health & Social Inequalities Team

1st Floor Graham House

Knockbracken Healthcare Park

Saintifield Road

Belfast

BT8 8BH

TRANSLATIONS

Interpreting Translation Contract

http://www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services/1834.htm

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