Nurse checking woman's heartbeat

Campaigners call for centralised pool of translated documents

Health chiefs in Kent spent more than £500,000 on translation services in the last three years, according to a new report.

While the study by independent think tank 2020 Health took into account the crucial need for interpreters in hospitals, it criticised the NHS for the lack of a centralised database of translated documents, such as health information leaflets.

Instead, it claimed, NHS Trusts were translating their own material, replicating work carried out across the country that could be carried out just once centrally.

Chief executive of 2020 Health Julia Manning said more than £20 million was spent nationally last year on translation services within the NHS.

“The most glaring problem is that NHS Trusts translate their own material, rather than having access to a central pool of translated documents,” she said.

“The costs involved are truly staggering in an age of austerity. Urgent action must be taken by Trusts to stem the flow of translation costs.”

The biggest spender in the county was East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, spending £122,404 last year, rising from £78,458 in 2009/10 and £35,415 in 2008/09.

Medway NHS Foundation Trust spent £68,094 last year, £24,742 in 2009/10 and £24,384 in 2008/09.

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust spent £34,600 last year, £54,000 in 2009/10 and £51,000 in 2008/09.

Other Kent Trusts saw significantly lower spending or did not respond to 2020 Health’s Freedom of Information request.

A spokeswoman for Medway NHS Foundation Trust said: “Non-English speaking patient and nurse/clinician communication is really important.

“Not only do patients need to understand details about their treatment and care, they also need to have the opportunity to ask any questions they have and to receive information in response.

“We are unable to rely on non-English speaking patients bringing an English speaking companion to hospital, therefore we do hold a list of staff who speak foreign languages and who are happy to be called upon to assist doctors and other clinical staff.

“We are continuing to explore ways in which we can offer this important service to our patients in the most efficient and cost effective way.”

Watchdog 2020 Health said creating a central storeroom of information that had already been translated would remove much of the need for trusts to translate their own materials.

A spokeswoman from the Taxpayers’ Alliance said there would always be a need for interpretation, particularly for people visiting the UK who needed emergency treatment.

But she said taxpayers would be shocked at the amount spent.

“They expect their money to be going towards treatment for sick people, not on language services,” she said.