Translation spending at NHS doubles in five years

LABOUR has been accused of failing to ensure healthcare staff meet basic standards of English.

- BY DAVID WILLIAMSON Chief Political Commentator

It comes as NHS spending on translation and interpretation services has more than doubled in half a decade.

The Department of Health confirmed it has not assessed whether the English standards required for front-line workers employed in the health service are adequate.

Shadow Health Secretary Stuart Andrew said: “Clear communication is essential in healthcare. Patients and clinicians must be able to understand one another to deliver safe, effective treatment.

“Patients expect ministers to have a grip on standards, safety and the growing taxpayer bill. Right now, they simply do not.”

It is already a legal requirement for frontline health workers to be proficient in English.