Interpreters on Wheels

Date awarded: June 2020
Awarded value: £11,679
Fund: COVID-19 Donation
Location: Fife-wide

Interpreters on Wheels are devices that enable patients to have access to an online interpretation service 24 hours a day.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic face-to-face interpreting had to stop, although there was still a need to provide the service.

Eight Interpreter on Wheels devices have been purchased that enable staff to access the online interpreting service from LanguageLine. Accessible within seconds at the touch of a button, LanguageLine’s video interpreting is available in the top 40 most requested languages, including American and British Sign Language. Language Line provides access to over 240 community languages and BSL interpreting.

“Interpreting is a very important part of our work in NHS Fife which can help to reduce inequalities and advance equality. We can with the use of the Interpreter on wheels devices ensure we are able to communicate effectively with everyone. Offering access to an interpreter for most languages; 24 hours a day, every day of the year via both audio or video links, has allowed the patient and their family to be much more involved in their care; helping them to make decisions and give informed consent. Increasing the availability of interpreting from these devices, has ensured immediate access to interpreting and as a result we are able to provide a better experience and improve the outcome for the patients, wherever and whenever they need it.”
Dianne Williamson, Equality and Human Rights Lead Officer