Understanding the different dimensions of healthcare systems: the ‘interpreting voice’ found in interpretation and translation services

Abstract

Interpreting was not something I had aspired to do; however, when I realised that there was a genuine scarcity for people in need of such services, I made a conscious decision to work as a freelance interpreter. The translation and interpreting service operates through various methods, such as face-to-face, video interpreting or remote interpreting by phone, depending on the need and the availability of both the user and the service provider. Usually, the doctors and other healthcare staff who work in the National Health Service book the interpreters through various interpreting companies, if patients are unable to speak the English language to express themselves. Despite immense effort, many times, staff cannot find interpreters for the patients; hence, I feel that awareness should be made so that people can come forward to use their language skills to help those people who require it. Having a medical degree helped me and instilled in me a better understanding, which is why I consciously give my free time to this service. In this article, I have tried to share my experience, so that people can derive a better understanding regarding the interpreting service in the UK. As an interpreter and translator of three languages, I have been working on a freelance basis for the past 3 years in the UK and am a linguist, a registered member of Chartered Institute of Language (CIOL).