Written question WQ87112
- Asked by
- Russell GeorgeConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What work is the Welsh Government doing relating to the Wales interpretation and translation service (WITS) to allow deaf patients to make a direct booking in emergencies?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
Responsibility for the Wales Interpretation and Translation Service (WITS) does not fall to Welsh Government. The Welsh Government provided one off funding to establish WITS in 2009 to meet the interpretation needs of the public sector. The service is currently hosted by Cardiff County Council following a transfer from Gwent Police in 2017. WITS provides access to a wide range of registered interpreters covering approximately 120 languages, including BSL.
WITS does not accept bookings from members of the public, irrespective of language. Partner organisations can access the WITS on demand services through their partner agreement. All Health Boards and Trusts in Wales are now partners to WITS. It is the responsibility of the health board to make requests to WITS and inform the patient.
The ‘All Wales Standard for Accessible Communication and Information for People with Sensory Loss’ sets the direction for Health Boards and Trusts to ensure the communication and information needs of people with a sensory loss are met when accessing our healthcare services.
All health boards and trusts are expected to put in place implementation arrangements to deliver on the standards to ensure all services are accessible and available including for the deaf community through the communication medium of choice, such as BSL.