Not just an option: Interpreting as an Essential Component of Safe Maternity and Neonatal Care
Sands and Tommy’s Maternity Consortium is pleased to share their insight report, Not Just an Option: Interpreting as an Essential Component of Safe Maternity and Neonatal Care. The report explores the systemic issues impacting access to professional interpreting in maternity and neonatal care.
This report draws on insights from refugees, asylum seekers, and deaf women, as well as healthcare staff, interpreters, and VCSE organisations. The Consortium are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed, whether by sharing experiences, insights, or support. For those who were interested but unable to take part, and for those new to this work, this report offers a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities for change.
The findings highlight that professional language interpreting is a safety-critical component of care, not an optional extra. Inconsistent practices, fragmented provision, and the absence of clear national guidance risk compromising communication and informed consent, particularly during critical points of care.
