Using professional interpreters safely

Professional interpreters ensure accuracy, confidentiality and meaningful patient involvement. They are needed for conversations about symptoms, consent, safeguarding, mental health, domestic abuse, medicines, test results or complaints.

An interpreter is not a convenience for staff. Their role is to enable accurate communication so the patient can take part in their care. Good use of an interpreter still depends on staff speaking clearly, pausing, checking understanding and addressing the patient directly.

Before the interpreted conversation

Confirm the language and dialect, the patient's contact details, whether the patient can speak privately, and whether the matter is urgent or sensitive. For appointments likely to involve safeguarding, domestic abuse, sexual health, mental health or consent, avoid informal interpreting and follow the approved local route.

If a patient has previously struggled with a particular mode of interpreting, record this and choose an alternative. A telephone interpreter may suit a brief instruction but not a complex consultation where visual cues and privacy matter.

When using an interpreter

• Speak to the patient, not about the patient.
• Use short, plain sentences.
• Pause for interpretation.
• Avoid jargon, idioms and long explanations.
• Check understanding before ending.
• Document the language support used if relevant to continuity.

Keep the patient included

It is natural to look at the interpreter, especially on video or in person, but the patient should remain the focus. Say, "Can you tell me what has happened?" rather than, "Ask her what happened." This helps preserve dignity and avoids making the patient feel discussed rather than spoken with.

If the interpreter is summarising too much, the patient seems uncomfortable, or safeguarding concerns arise, follow local escalation procedures. Do not use the interpreter to investigate or pressure the patient beyond your role.

The interpreter supports communication; the patient remains the person you are speaking with.

Confidentiality