We are working as flexibly as possible to meet the urgent social and health care needs of NHS patients during this unprecedented emergency.
Recently a Cantonese/Mandarin speaking interpreter arrived at Sussex Eye Hospital to interpret for an important post-surgery consultation.
She had her temperature checked before entering and wore a face mask. The patient had not attended for the planned appointment. The Senior Nurse was concerned as the patient has no family support and does not speak any English.
The interpreter suggested using WhatsApp video call and the nurse asked how that would work. The interpreter explained and then called the patient to set up the video call with the consultant.
The patient had used WhatsApp before for voice calls but never for a video call. After getting the hang of using the camera she was set to go!
The call went ahead and was very successful, reassuring both patient and nurse. The Senior Nurse was absolutely delighted with the outcome and called the interpreter `my angel` – she went away promising to tell all her colleagues how well things had worked.
There is no 100% substitute for face to face interpreting but with the patience, skill and determination of our fantastic interpreter we are able to continue to offer empathetic alternatives.
Well done `Our Angel!`