Client: Department of Health and Social Care
Sector: Public
Project: Asylum Seeker Interpreting
Languages: Afghanistan
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is a pivotal department within the UK Government, responsible for overseeing the health and social care systems across England. Established to ensure the provision of high-quality healthcare and social care services, the DHSC plays a crucial role in formulating health policy, managing public health, and overseeing the National Health.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), specifically the Managed Quarantine Service, faced a formidable challenge during the repatriation of individuals fleeing Afghanistan from August to September 2021. The operation was extensive, encompassing over 60 hotels across various locations, including some in remote areas. This posed a complex logistical and communication challenge, particularly in addressing the diverse language and cultural needs of the Afghan individuals, many of whom had endured significant trauma.
Large-Scale Operation: Managing a complex, timesensitive operation across over 60 hotels, including remote locations.
Overcoming Language Barriers: Providing interpreters for multiple languages and dialects, with sensitivity to the cultural and emotional needs of the Afghan individuals.
Rapid Deployment: Mobilising a large number of professional interpreters within 48 hours to meet the urgent requirements of the operation.
Diverse Service Needs: Offering comprehensive services beyond standard interpretation, including translation of key documents, facilitating crucial health communications, and assisting with integration and welfare services.
To address the challenges of the Afghan repatriation program, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) partnered with Prestige Network for their interpretation and translation services. Prestige Network quickly mobilised a team of interpreters, proficient in multiple languages and dialects, to over 60 locations, including remote areas, within 48 hours. These interpreters were specially selected for their cultural sensitivity and ability to handle the emotional nuances of the guests, many of whom had experienced trauma.
Beyond standard interpretation, Prestige Network provided a comprehensive service, including the translation of critical documents, facilitating health communications, and aiding guests’ integration into the UK with information about health and welfare services. The effectiveness of their solution was further enhanced by their ability to coordinate seamlessly with various stakeholders involved in the program, such as security, liaison officers, and hotel staff. This efficient and empathetic approach played a pivotal role in the smooth running of the Managed Quarantine Service and was instrumental in supporting the DHSC’s efforts during this crucial operation
Prestige Network offers rapid-response, culturally sensitive interpreting services tailored for complex public sector challenges. Our case study with the Department of Health and Social Care showcases our commitment to excellence during the critical Afghan repatriation operation.
