The latest CSO (2011) figures for Ireland show that there are currently 544,357 non-Irish nationals living in Ireland, representing 199 different nations and languages. Non governmental organisations have highlighted the language barriers that immigrants encounter that can result in their needs remaining unmet, affecting their mental health. The Health Service Executive of Ireland has responsibility for the health of all citizens. A basic requirement to ensure access to health services is to provide information in the language spoken by the people seeking services. Currently the HSE website has English and Irish as the only language option.
We would like to see the HSE website providing a translation service. This is essential for the individuals whose primary language is not English ( or Irish) so that they can easily access the literature and information available on the HSE website. The most spoken languages after English, are Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Polish, Lithuanian, Russian and Romanian. It is important that the HSE makes the information understandable to all that may need to access it. As a member of the EU, this is something that needs to be done, for the better quality of life and health, for all of it’s people. Especially at this time, when so much anti-immigrant rhetoric dominates our media and aspects of our political organisation and policies.
Our campaign wants to raise awareness of the difficulties that are faced by immigrants through language barriers, and how something so avoidable can affect access to health care by immigrants. The language problem can be easily and cost effectively solved by making free translations available on health service websites.
We the undersigned call on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to make available an automated translation service for their current website.
Updates
March 15, 2017
The feedback regarding language accessibility confirms that many individuals currently struggle to navigate basic health information on the website. I am currently compiling these experiences to present a formal case to the Health Service Executive. Clear communication remains the most fundamental step toward equitable healthcare for our diverse population.
March 15, 2017
The response to this petition has grown significantly over the past few days. It is evident that the demand for accessible information within our public health infrastructure resonates with a great many people.
18 Comments
Living here for 10 years and still find it hard to navigate health info for my family. Pls make this happen it would help so many of us.
This is just common sense surely. If we want a health service that actually works for everyone then we need to talk their language.
Thank you all for showing your support! We are going to Leinster house this Thursday to present this issue. We are hoping that this petition will help to get the attention of the policy makers, in the hope that they will implement a change!
I'm very happy that y are a group with the initiative , i can't wait to see what will be next. Good luck guys
WELL DONE. About time the HSE caught up with the real world.
good luck girls!!!
Good idea ! Romanian language please!
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The latest CSO (2011) figures for Ireland show that there are currently 544,357 non-Irish nationals living in Ireland, representing 199 different nations and languages. Non governmental organisations have highlighted the language barriers that immigrants encounter that can result in their needs remaining unmet, affecting their mental health. The Health Service Executive of Ireland has responsibility for the health of all citizens. A basic requirement to ensure access to health services is to provide information in the language spoken by the people seeking services. Currently the HSE website has English and Irish as the only language option.
We would like to see the HSE website providing a translation service. This is essential for the individuals whose primary language is not English ( or Irish) so that they can easily access the literature and information available on the HSE website. The most spoken languages after English, are Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Polish, Lithuanian, Russian and Romanian. It is important that the HSE makes the information understandable to all that may need to access it. As a member of the EU, this is something that needs to be done, for the better quality of life and health, for all of it’s people. Especially at this time, when so much anti-immigrant rhetoric dominates our media and aspects of our political organisation and policies.
Our campaign wants to raise awareness of the difficulties that are faced by immigrants through language barriers, and how something so avoidable can affect access to health care by immigrants. The language problem can be easily and cost effectively solved by making free translations available on health service websites.
We the undersigned call on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to make available an automated translation service for their current website.
Updates
March 15, 2017
The feedback regarding language accessibility confirms that many individuals currently struggle to navigate basic health information on the website. I am currently compiling these experiences to present a formal case to the Health Service Executive. Clear communication remains the most fundamental step toward equitable healthcare for our diverse population.
March 15, 2017
The response to this petition has grown significantly over the past few days. It is evident that the demand for accessible information within our public health infrastructure resonates with a great many people.
18 Comments
Although we are known for our warm welcome to people to Ireland this has to stretch to giving people the feeling of belonging - and one of the main ways to get people to feel they belong is to give them all relevant information in their own language. I hope this will be done for all areas not just health.
Living here for 10 years and still find it hard to navigate health info for my family. Pls make this happen it would help so many of us.
This is just common sense surely. If we want a health service that actually works for everyone then we need to talk their language.
Thank you all for showing your support! We are going to Leinster house this Thursday to present this issue. We are hoping that this petition will help to get the attention of the policy makers, in the hope that they will implement a change!
I'm very happy that y are a group with the initiative , i can't wait to see what will be next. Good luck guys
WELL DONE. About time the HSE caught up with the real world.
good luck girls!!!
Good idea ! Romanian language please!
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Although we are known for our warm welcome to people to Ireland this has to stretch to giving people the feeling of belonging - and one of the main ways to get people to feel they belong is to give them all relevant information in their own language. I hope this will be done for all areas not just health.