Concern voiced over interpreters issue

NHS Tayside is still failing the area’s deaf community, according to a concerned whistleblower.

A key figure within Dundee’s charitable sector for the deaf and hard of hearing has claimed an “inflexible” booking system is leading to interpreters failing to make medical appointments for people reliant on their services. It is further claimed a basic lack of awareness on the part of doctors and medical staff is leading to interpreters often not being booked when necessary. The complaints, it is said, have all been passed to NHS Tayside.

The whistleblower said: “Deaf people are still turning up to appointments and there is no one there. It’s not the interpreter’s problem, they’re frustrated too. It’s the booking system that’s not flexible enough. Interpreters are only given a yes or no option and can’t say: ‘I can’t do four o’clock, but I can do quarter past’. We’re meant to be moving towards a situation where interpreters are booked before an appointment is made, but that is not happening.”

NHS Tayside diversity and inclusion manager Santosh Chima said: “NHS Tayside is reviewing its contract with Dundee Translation and Interpreting Services.

“We will be carrying out a full options appraisal process, in partnership with deaf and deafblind communities, to ensure we continue to deliver a high quality, person-centred service that is fit for the future.”