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Our Next Focus Group: People whose first language is not English
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We will be focussing on access to primary care for people whose first language is not English and for whom an interpreter may be needed.
Thank you to everyone who attended our first Focus Group in July and for making it such a success. We were delighted that members were able to network with each other at that event, and that we were able to provide in-depth feedback on the healthcare of LGBTQ+ people to Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Following on from that event, another PEN Focus Group will be going ahead in autumn.
This time, we will discuss the lived experiences of people whose first language is not English. We are keen to hear from PEN members with knowledge on this subject and from people you work with and support who have lived experience of care.
Points of discussion will include:
- When a person whose first language is not English has an appointment with a GP, they have the right to have an interpreter present. Within what timeframe is the GP required to make an interpreter available?
- Are family members being enabled to act as interpreters and does the GP have the right to refuse a family member acting as interpreter?
- Where the patient states a preference for the gender of their interpreter, is this being taken into consideration?
The provisional date for this Focus Group is Monday 6th November, and we will be in touch on an individual basis with groups who may wish to join us. Please also email us if you are interested in joining.
