HC Deb 08 September 2003 vol 410 c174W
Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Health in which languages the patient surveys issued by the Commission for Health Improvement were published. [127322]

Ms Rosie Winterton

It is not possible to identify from patient records what language a patient speaks. Therefore the initial contact has to be in English. Survey guidance for trusts points to a range of options for helping patients whose first language is not English.