£559k spent translating for patients
OVER half-a-million pounds was spent on essential language translation services for people who spoke English as a second langauge in the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) over the past three years.
The Health Minister Edwin Poots revealed the sum fell from £172,699 in 2009/10; to £166,239 in 2010/11; before rising to £220,052 in 2011/12. The total figure was £558,990. Mr Poots provided the details in response to an Assembly Question.