Language barriers in female healthcare are causing safeguarding concerns

Language barriers are putting both patients and healthcare professionals at risk, a new survey has found.

The revealed that with two-thirds (65 per cent) of healthcare workers in female care are worried about safeguarding when it comes to language barriers – while 37 per cent believe that non-English speaking women receive a poorer standard of care.

The independent survey of 500 health workers within female primary and secondary care uncovers a system under pressure, where frontline professionals are regularly turning to unsecure or unofficial tools, such as Google Translate and personal mobile phones, raising serious safeguarding concerns.

The report, released today by  Pocketalk, reveals the scale of the problem with more than a quarter of healthcare  workers encountering communication challenges daily within female care.

Jess O’Dwyer, General Manager, Pocketalk, says: “The findings highlight the urgent need for safe, enterprise-grade language support across UK healthcare settings – particularly in female healthcare.”

Healthcare professionals are spending an average of two hours per week trying to overcome language barriers with female patients – equivalent to over 12 working days a year lost to a challenge that technology can already solve.

The independent survey of 500 health workers within female primary and secondary care uncovers a system under pressure, where frontline professionals are regularly turning to unsecure or unofficial tools, such as Google Translate and personal mobile phones, raising serious safeguarding concerns.

Pocketalk, which provides secure, AI-powered translation software and hardware is calling for immediate action to bring safe, compliant, and effective language support to the forefront of female healthcare.

O’Dwyer said: “This isn’t just about efficiency – this is about safety, dignity and equality in care.

“When clinicians are forced to choose between using unofficial tools or leaving a patient misunderstood, it’s a clear sign that the system isn’t giving them what they need.

“Translation tools that incorporate AI to enhance efficiency have the potential to safeguard both staff and patients – but it must be secure, GDPR-compliant and enterprise-grade.”

Despite efforts and initiatives by the Government to invest in technology, the healthcare industry is held back by outdated contracts and incumbent solutions, which is being experienced on the frontline.

Around two thirds (64 per cent) of healthcare workers within female care believe that technology isn’t being used enough in female healthcare – a figure that Pocketalk says should be a wake-up call.

O’Dwyer said: “As we work to improve equity across women’s health services, tackling language barriers with modern, safe solutions must be a priority.

“Our work within healthcare shows that the technology exists that can improve patient care. The need is urgent. Now is the time to act.”