PURPOSE:
This project aimed to reduce variation and improve access to high-quality interpretation services across maternity care in London. Recognising language barriers as a significant vulnerability contributing to health inequalities, the initiative sought to ensure equitable, personalised care by co-producing guidance, resources, and training with diverse stakeholders, including non-English-speaking service users.

DISCUSSION:
A 2019 London Maternity Clinical Network report and subsequent surveys identified barriers such as limited interpreter availability, inadequate training, and resource constraints. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, with a 2021 HSIB report highlighting interpretation access failures as a key safety risk during intrapartum care. In response, a Task and Finish Group developed a multifaceted strategy including a digital toolkit for maternity clinicians, multilingual communication cards for urgent care, staff training sessions, and piloting of a digital translation app (‘Cardmedic’). Co-production with service users and community groups ensured resources met real needs.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Since May 2023, the guidance and communication cards have been widely disseminated across London, with positive initial feedback from maternity staff on improved communication and confidence. The Cardmedic pilot demonstrated effective support in urgent settings when human interpreters were unavailable. This aligns with evidence linking improved interpretation access to better maternal outcomes and safety. With over 300 languages spoken in London, training workshops were were well received. The session discussed the impact of language barriers, the role of the professional interpreter and how to get the best outcomes from using an interpreter. Following the session there was a noticeable increase in knowledge and confidence of working with interpreters prior to the training.

KEY MESSAGE:
Addressing language barriers through co-produced, comprehensive strategies is essential to reduce inequalities and improve safety in maternity care. Embedding high-quality interpretation services supports personalised, equitable care and enhances both patient and staff experience. This model offers a replicable framework for regional and national implementation. Poster session 4 (Group B)