Groundbreaking MRI shows benefits of medical translation

A £1.2m investment by the University of Aberdeen underlines the importance of communicating to patients in their own language.

A new MRI scanner at the university can now give patients information and instructions in 17 different languages, including the rare Scots language of Doric. In addition to the importance of giving medical information clearly, the move is also in recognition of the comfort that good communication can bring patients.

Simon Gall, public engagement officer with the Institute, says: “My grandmother, a Doric speaker who has dementia, struggles now with communication in English, but when … medical professionals use Scots, she is much more responsive.”

At TLS, we always use qualified interpreters, many of whom have specialist health skills and experience. If you would like to know more, get in touch.

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