Migrant children translating for parents at doctor visits, conference hears

University of Limerick event told some migrants avoid GPs due to language barrier

Prof Anne MacFarlane called for professional interpreters to be available in the healthcare system to help migrants who have limited English. Photograph: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire
Prof Anne MacFarlane called for professional interpreters to be available in the healthcare system to help migrants who have limited English. Photograph: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire

Children of migrants are being taken out of school to act as interpreters for their parents at doctor visits, a conference has heard.

The University of Limerick graduate entry medical school conference also heard yesterday how some migrants living in Ireland avoid going to their GP or delay visits until they return home on holidays because they are not able to explain their symptoms.

Young children are also being exposed to adult medical conversations, because they have better language skills than their parents and are asked to communicate on their behalf.

Trained interpreters

Delegates from seven countries in

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Europe

and

North America

are attending the two-day conference which continues on Friday.

Anne MacFarlane, professor of primary healthcare research at University of Limerick’s graduate entry medical school, said trained professional interpreters should be available in the healthcare system to support communication between migrants who have limited English and their care providers.

Prof MacFalane is engaged in research on the subject of migrant care at the University of Limerick.