'There’s never been a translator at the hospital, so I have to be there to do it'

https://www.asianimage.co.uk/news/17595043.theres-never-been-a-translator-at-the-hospital-so-i-have-to-be-there-to-do-it/

25 Abril 2019

'There’s never been a translator at the hospital, so I have to be there to do it'

New research from the charity says BAME young carers in England are missing out on their childhoods because of the additional responsibilities and stresses they have to deal with.

Barnardo’s research, based on interviews with BAME young carers and practitioners found:

Many young south Asian carers were far too often being relied upon as interpreters, relaying technical and deeply personal medical information between patients and doctors, which can lead to misdiagnosis and increased anxiety within families.

[…]

The ‘Caring Alone’ report highlights how young carers like 19-year-old  Neha Lathia suddenly had to care for both parents, and her two siblings, Priyanka and Dev while studying for her A-levels.

She said: “I have to translate at most hospital appointments. There’s never been a translator at the hospital, so I have to be there to do it. And sometimes a word simply doesn’t exist in Gujarati, so I have to try and find another word or explain some other way.

[…]

“It’s not right that BAME young carers often have to interpret complicated medical information for a loved one, which can lead to misdiagnosis and cause additional stress.

“This group of vulnerable children are often “hidden”, and there is an urgent need to break down barriers so they are not left to struggle on their own. “

Barnardo’s key recommendations in the Caring Alone report include that all patients who don’t speak English should have access to a translator. Children and young people should never be expected to translate for a relative.  

 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-47982494/the-teenagers-who-translate-for-their-parents