Ealing PCT: Guidelines for Working with Interpreters
Working effectively with interpreters requires some thought and planning. Service providers who work regularly with interpreters have formulated their own preferred way of working. It's also essential for the frontline staff to undergo some training for dealing with interpreters as some preliminary preparation could prove to be quite useful.
The main aim of the interpreter is to assist clients from the community with which they work to get the best possible service. The starting point for this is good communication between the client and the professionals providing the service. Interpreting is a skill, which needs to be learned and developed; people who speak more than one language do not automatically have this skill. Professional interpreters are trained in specialist terminology.They are bound by a code of practice that ensures confidentiality, impartiality and the maintenance of professional boundaries. Patients are better able to make their own care, health, medication, environment etc.
These guidelines are directed at situations where the Interpreters are booked by the frontline staff.
For further information please visit Ealing PCT: Guidelines for Working with Interpreters.