INTERPRETERS are being recruited following research that suggested non-English speakers were being failed within the health care system.

A recent study published by Healthwatch Darlington showed that people living in Darlington who spoke little or no English were facing barriers in accessing medical care.

Concerns were raised over the quality of interpretation services provided to patients using GP surgeries around the town, with research suggesting that the diversity of languages spoken was not reflected in the provision of nationally commissioned interpretation services.

Following publication of the research, Healthwatch is now supporting NHS England North and Language Empire by helping to promote vacancies for local interpreters and translators.

A spokesman for NHS England North told Healthwatch that improvements were being made and that Language Empire was currently managing an open recruitment process for interpreters in the DL postcode area.

He said: “This is planned to continue until local interpreters are able to meet the needs of Darlington patients in all but a handful of cases.”

Posters are currently being displayed around Darlington appealing for “skilled and ambitious” individuals to apply for vacancies as freelance interpreters and translators.

For more information about opportunities locally, call 0330 2020 344 or email opportunities@empire-groupuk.com.