Internal Reference Number: FOI_8654
Date Request Received: 16/05/2025 00:00:00
Date Request Replied To: 23/05/2025 00:00:00
This response was sent via: By Email
Request Summary: Interpretation services in maternity wards
Request Category: Researcher
| Question Number 1: I am writing to request the following information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. What is the policy on communicating with a woman on the maternity ward to explain her care options when her first language is not English, or she cannot speak English? | |
| Answer To Question 1: Our policy is to seek support from an over the phone interpreter via Language Empire- we are looking into commissioning an AI translation device to enhance the service provided by Language Empire. | |
| Question Number 2: Are interpretation services available to support these patients? If so, please provide the following details: 鈥� A description of the interpretation services available (e.g., in-person interpreters, telephone interpreting, video interpreting, google translate, AI translating software, family members translating etc). 鈥� The order of preference for these services, from most to least preferred on the maternity ward. 鈥� Whether interpretation services are available 24/7. 鈥� Whether family members are ever used for interpretation, and under what circumstances (if any). I would appreciate it if you could also provide any relevant policy documents or guidance used by staff in these circumstances. | |
| Answer To Question 2: A. We use over the phone interpreters, under certain circumstances we can request face to face interpretation. B. Language Empire 鈥� over the phone interpretation. No other service available currently. (Family members do offer to translate at the service providers request). C. We have access to 24hrs interpretation service. D. Family members do provide translation services (very rarely) at the service user鈥檚 request. However, if there was a need to discuss clinical management, or seek necessary consents then staff are required to seek support from a pre-approved interpreter, via Language Empire. 3. Link to the Translation and Interpreting policy on Eolas Medical: Please use the following link to locate the policy as follows;鈥� https://app.eolasmedical.com/auto-login/EOLAS%23ORG%23staging-salisbury-nhs-foundation-trust%231120b4c7-8856-4520-934a-f2778c95fc7a%23860230f5-00eb-4248-8db4-c71d458f6f81 - Go to Hospital Guidelines - Such for Translation this will bring up the Translation and Interpretating Policy | |
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Our staff at SA国际传媒 Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.
