What is HSCBproposing?

The main referrers to the Regional Interpreting service were GPs (1,848), secondary care providers (720) and dentists (77); that’s 2,645 referrals in total.

The figures are revealed in a new consultation document on the future of the Regional Language Interpretation and Translation Services, which closes on December 13.

According to a review conducted by the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) demand for the service has been increasing annually and as a result the activity and associated cost have increased also.

From a base of 1,850 sessions provided in 2004 the service has grown to a level of 75,649 sessions in March 2013, the HSCB report.

The total cost associated with the Regional Interpreting Service in 2012/13 was £2.628 million.

The HSCB wants to cut costs and streamline the service by decreasing the amount of face-to-face interpretation against the amount of over-the-phone interpretation.

It also plans establishing clear guidance to ensure written translation services are appropriately delivered.

Under the board’s proposals interpreters who wish to register to provide the service will have to pay an appropriate annual fee.

Face-to-face and telephone services will also be centrally funded. And patients will also sit on a regional advisory group reporting to the HSCB.

Currently language interpreting through face to face interpreting is provided through the Belfast Trust with back up face to face interpreting and telephone interpreting contracts through the BSO Procurement and Logistics Service (PaLS). Written translation services are also provided by BSO PaLS.