25/08/2026
It is very difficult for me to read such news.
However, this is a one sided story.
We, the interpreters, are trained, vetted, required to follow rules, attend seminars to advance and improve our knowledge. We have a code of practice to follow and work very hard to maintain a high standard of profesionalism.
Why one sided?
Unfortunately, there is a constant lack of rule following from those who provide some of the services and even NHS.
Service providers not vetting and checking the credentials of those who apply for the position. NHS continued acceptance of family and friends as communication aid.
Not once, my services have been refused by the patient because a family member or a friend can speak English. Major rules in interpreting are being impartial and interpreting every single word.
Not all interpreters are the same!
If mistakes are made by one person does not mean that the next interpreter needs to suffer the abuse and rejection.
Other issue is tiredness.
We are called for appointments which lasts more than an hour and unless we ask for a break nobody thinks of it. It is an interruption and can be perceived as inconvenience, but tiredness can lead to mistakes being made.
A hot topic is mental health. We are witness and become involved in many highly distressing situations which affects us. There is a lack of support following such assignments. We need to " help" ourselves and follow the same path every person does, and we all know how difficult this is.
It is very sad that only when such mistakes take place that attention is paid to the on-going issues, that the concerns voiced by many professionals are heard.
An ombudsman report says disabled people are being let down by a lack of accessible communication methods.
