Cambs deaf charity praises new hospital trial

The Cambridgeshire Deaf Association is welcoming a four-week test of a new remote interpreting service by North West Anglia Health Trust.

Peterborough City and Hinchingbrooke hospitals are trialling the mobile translation service in a bid to remove language barriers between patients and staff in the emergency department.

The service, Interpreters on Wheels, uses iPads on trolleys allowing staff to get in touch with live interpreters in the UK or abroad for on-the-spot translation, in more than 170 languages, in less than 30 seconds. 

But crucially, the system also offers video calls with British sign language for patients with hearing problems. 

Andrew Palmer, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Deaf Association.

Andrew Palmer, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Deaf Association, has already witnessed the new system in action.

“I was with someone in Accident and Emergency the other day who had fallen off their motorbike, and I had first-hand experience of the new system at work.

"It is easy to use and very effective. A sign language interpreter was available within seconds and the computer was positioned at exactly the right height for the bed, which allowed easy access for the injured person I was with.

"I believe that when this system is used in conjunction with face-to-face sign language interpreters, and other professionals such as advocates, it will help ensure that the hospital is a much safer and much more accessible place for deaf people.

"So, I want to take the opportunity to really welcome this advance by Northwest Anglia Foundation NHS Trust which will undoubtedly improve the quality of healthcare deaf people in hospital in this county.”

Both Peterborough city and Hinchingbrooke hospitals already have access to a team of in-person interpreters, but it is hoped the new system will soon become a permanent addition to their interpreting services.