Overcoming language barriers in A&E
In the latest episode of A&E After Dark, cameras follow the team at Newham Hospital as they face a race against time with a patient whose symptoms could indicate something life-threatening.
Marko, a Polish man, arrives in the department complaining of a sudden, severe headache. With minimal English to describe what he is experiencing, the urgency of his condition risks being lost in translation.
Dr Jenny explains:
“In Newham we have a lot of patients who don’t have English as their first language so we really utilise interpreters as it’s really important that we can understand the patient and what they're going through.”
Using Language Line, the Trust's interpretation service, Dr Jenny connects to a Polish interpreter in real-time and Marko is able to explain:
"He experienced headaches, it was excruciating pain. Then he started bleeding from his nose, ears and mouth and he doesn’t know why."
A so-called thunderclap headache is a recognised red flag that can signal a potentially life-threatening bleed on the brain.
With the interpreter on the line, the clinical team are able to take a full history, explain the investigations they need to carry out, and keep Marko informed and calm throughout. It is a reminder of how vital clear communication is, not just for reassurance, but for making the right clinical decisions quickly.
The episode highlights the trust's commitment to ensuring every patient receives the same high standard of care, regardless of the language they speak.
To find out what happened to Marko, catch up on the series now.
A&E After Dark returns to 5Star this week, every Thursday at 9pm.
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