Gaston highlights ‘eye watering’ cost of interpreters for health service in NI

https://www.loveballymena.online/post/gaston-highlights-eye-watering-cost-of-interpreters-for-health-service-in-ni

17^th August 2024

Gaston highlights ‘eye watering’ cost of interpreters for health service in NI

North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston has commented on the soaring costs of interpreter services to Northern Ireland’s health service.

According to figures provided to Mr Gaston by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, the cost of providing interpreters across Northern Ireland’s health trusts over the last five years has amounted to over £18 million - described by the TUV MLA as ‘eye watering’.

Commenting on the issue, Gaston said:

“There are many who seek to dismiss legitimate concerns the public have about the issues caused by migration and particularly the strain which it places on services. Indeed, when I raised the issue during the recent Assembly recall debate the establishment parties sought to shout me down.

“When those voices subside, however, the facts which they seek to ignore remain.

“One such issue is the cost of interpreters in the NHS in relation to dentistry, GP services and access to hospitals.

“I wrote to the Health Minister asking for a breakdown of these costs and the response is frankly eye watering.

“In 2019/2020 we spent £4,092,031, £2,111,123 in 2020/21, £3,415,013 in 2021/2022, £4,147,139 in 2022/2023 and £4,425,608 in 2023/24.

“Over the last five years that totals over £18 million.

“Tellingly, the Minister did not answer my question about how much of that was due to missed appointments as the Department does not hold the data. Mr Nesbit does, however, advise that in such circumstances the interpreter is paid for the first hour and has their mileage covered.

“A band five nurse at the lower end of the scale is paid around £28,407 per annum meaning that we could employ over 150 band five nurses every year with the money spent on interpreters every year.”

The Northern Trust states it “has a diverse population and all our service users and carers have a right to effective communication, in a form and language, that enables them to understand the information provided. This includes the right to an appropriately qualified interpreter. We are committed to ensuring that people understand the treatment and support options available.”