Complaint references: CR40

27th Jan 2020

Professional Discipline	Sign Language Interpreter
Date Complaint Received	27.01.2020
Date Complaint Closed	27.07.2020
Origin of Complaint	Service user
Registered or Trainee	Registrant
Nature of Complaint	Complainant raised concerns relating to two separate medical related assignments. It was alleged that the Registrant arrived late, rushed off after the appointment, and spoke to the nurse without the complainant being present. Additional allegations included that the Registrants placement and positioning was wrong, that incorrect information was relayed during voiceover and that there were errors in the signing. The Complainant felt the Registrant was unprofessional and used incorrect or incomplete interpretation resulting in the Complainant having a lack of confidence in the Registrants' ability to sign concisely and clearly. Witness statements were obtained from the Complainant's partner who was present at the time of the assignment(s), a member of staff at the medical clinic, and evidence also submitted from the Agency the Registrant works for.
Summary	Investigation conducted into potential breach of Section 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1 and 6.1 of NRCPD's Code of Conduct.
Outcome	Case Examiners decided based on the evidence provided that there was a realistic prospect of finding an impairment of fitness to practice relating to some of the allegations, but that it was not in the public interest to refer the case to a Complaints Committee. Case Examiners concluded that an alternative in this case was to offer advice and issue a warning. Advice was given around positioning/placement during assignments. A written warning was issued advising the Registrant that arrival at assignments should be no less than 10 minutes before the appointment start time. In relation to the allegations of incomplete, incorrect or errors in signing, Case Examiners concluded there was insufficient evidence to support this allegation. In relation to the allegation around speaking to the nurse without the Complainant being present, Case Examiners felt that the circumstances (which involved a third party) did not create a potential finding of impairment. Case Closed.