Written Health Guidance Often Stays English-Only, Even When Patients Speak Other Languages

The New England Journal of Medicine has posted a perspective article raising a specific gap in how healthcare information reaches patients whose first language isn’t English. According to the authors, oral interpretation services — where a trained interpreter speaks with a patient in their preferred language — are commonly available across US health settings. But when it comes to written materials, discharge notes, medication instructions, aftercare guidance, those documents are routinely provided in English only.

The journal shared the finding on social media, prompting wider discussion about whether spoken and written language support are treated with the same urgency in clinical settings. The two aren’t interchangeable. A patient who understands a verbal explanation during an appointment may still struggle to follow written instructions at home, days later, without an interpreter present.

The perspective focuses on US healthcare, so direct comparisons with NHS practice require care. NHS England guidance does require trusts to make reasonable adjustments for patients with language needs, including written communications, under the Equality Act 2010.

Patients in Kent who need information in another language, or who require an interpreter for an NHS appointment, can request this through their GP surgery or hospital trust directly. NHS 111 also has access to interpreter services for callers who need them.

Key information

• To request an interpreter for an NHS appointment in Kent, contact your GP surgery or hospital trust in advance
• NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can connect callers with interpreter support by phone
• For written health information in other languages, ask your GP practice or pharmacy — many hold translated materials or can signpost to them