George Eliot Hospital maternity department is now able to remove language barriers quicker through the League of Friends' latest donation.

George Eliot Hospital maternity department is now able to remove language barriers quicker through the League of Friends' latest donation. 

Maternity patients and staff at George Eliot Hospital are to benefit from a donation of a Wordskii-on-Wheels interpretation service, donated by the League of Friends. 

This innovative resource is designed to promote better understanding and accessibility, ensuring that those who need language support can navigate their healthcare journey easier. 

Wordskii-on-Wheels (WoW) is a portable, digital service that delivers on-demand telephone and video calls when an interpreter is needed. The Wordskii-on-Wheels has around 350 languages/dialects, including BSL, and is available 24 hours a day all year round. 

The wordskii-on-wheels will not only be beneficial to our patients but will empower our maternity department to communicate effectively, especially in emergency situations. 

Speaking on the donation Vivienne Ficarra, Public Health Midwife at George Eliot Hospital, outlined the benefits for patients using our maternity services: 

"We have been lucky enough to trial the Wordskii-on-Wheels interpretation service since May 2025.

“This device has enabled us to respond quickly and efficiently to patient needs and access a translator swiftly without having to telephone to book. This has also allowed us to act in emergency situations where we have needed an interpreter.

This device will ultimately improve patient outcomes, reduce health inequalities and improve patient experience. Thank you so much to the League of Friends for funding a device for us to keep in maternity." 

Mike Parsons, Chairman of the League of Friends, added, “Supporting the hospital teams to improve patient care is at the heart of what we do. We are proud to contribute to the wellbeing of our community and thankful to all our volunteers who make donations like this possible.” 

This support shows once again the League of Friends' dedication and commitment towards patient care. To find out more about the League of Friends and how you can support them and the trust, please visit.  https://www.geh.nhs.uk/about-us/get-involved/league-friends