Avoiding unsafe reliance on family or children

Family or friends may help with routine arrangements, but they are not reliable interpreters for healthcare. Children must not be used to interpret clinical conversations.

Using an accompanying person to interpret can seem quicker, particularly when clinics are busy. However, companions can misunderstand, summarise, omit or change information, and patients may be unable to speak freely about sensitive issues in their presence.

Why informal interpreting can be unsafe

• Accuracy may be poor: companions may lack medical vocabulary or may paraphrase instead of interpreting exactly.
• Confidentiality may be lost: patients may not want the companion to know the details.
• Consent may be unclear: patients may agree because they feel pressured or dependent.
• Coercion may be hidden: a companion may control what the patient says, access their phone, documents or appointments.
• Children may be harmed by the role: interpreting can expose children to distressing or sexual health information and place adult responsibilities on them.

Children should not interpret healthcare conversations

Even bilingual children should not be put in the role of interpreter. They may be exposed to sensitive matters such as sexual health, pregnancy, mental health, domestic abuse, financial problems, safeguarding concerns, serious illness or family conflict.

Arrange a professional interpreter instead. If a child is the only person present in an urgent situation, follow local escalation procedures rather than continuing with unsafe interpretation.

When a patient asks to use a relative

Patients may prefer a family member for practical reasons, but that preference requires assessment. Check whether the topic is sensitive, whether the patient can speak freely, whether the relative could be involved in the concern, and whether local policy requires a professional interpreter.

A family member may help with simple, non-confidential tasks such as confirming an appointment date if the patient consents and there are no concerns. Do not use relatives for sensitive clinical discussions, consent conversations or safeguarding matters; these require a professional interpreter.

Use professional interpreting where accuracy, privacy, consent or safety matters.

Patient Choice