Sign language interpreters blast ‘shambolic’ system

SIGN language interpreters have claimed a “shambolic” booking system for helping deaf people communicate is “unworkable and unsustainable”.

Earlier this month, the concerns of a whistleblower were made public alleging that NHS Tayside had failed to properly care for Dundee’s deaf and hard of hearing community.

The whistleblower, who works closely with people reliant on the work of interpreters, claimed deaf people regularly attend medical appointments to find no interpreter present.

It is understood interpreters have become increasingly frustrated by what they see as NHS Tayside failings, compounded further by a refusal to engage “despite their reliance on their services to fulfil obligations under the Equalities Act 2010”.

The interpreters, who have asked not to be named in order to protect their positions, said: “The system is shambolic, unworkable and unsustainable. People are attending crucial appointments and they’re unable to communicate because there is no interpreter.

“Despite repeated requests, NHS Tayside has yet to consult or engage with us to ensure effective systems are put in place to ensure an improved service can be delivered to, and received by, all parties.”

NHS Tayside diversity and inclusion manager Santosh Chima said: “Over the next few months, we will be taking forward a project to review the interpretation and translation services contract currently outsourced to Dundee Translating and Interpreting Service. This will allow us to consider other options in how we deliver and manage interpretation and translation services in the future.”