Following the death of a Polish man who was living without family in St-Malo, I called his daughter in Poland to tell her the sad news. The mother of the deceased then called me back to discuss the initial decisions, which were then taken over by another interpreter, who was Polish by birth. Her mother decided to repatriate the body to Poland.
Cardiology intervention by telephone. The doctor put the loudspeaker on to make it easier. The doctor immediately put me at ease and listened carefully to what I had to say. As a doctor's daughter, I know what doctors expect and how to ask the questions they want, so I can be clear and concise. I know how to rephrase patients' answers. I don't know the patient or her nationality, but I was both surprised and delighted that she opened up without embarrassment or fear. That's why the interview was positive and constructive. The trust placed in me by the two people I spoke to was a great reward... something that is sometimes slow in coming or fails to be established (trust...).
Two operations: Emergency surgery for an Iraqi patient. The surgery department called me to explain the procedure to the patient. Translation for a young Syrian patient accompanied by his family. Anaesthetics department for a pre-op assessment.
Translation to help communication between the mother of someone who was in intensive care after a difficult birth and the medical team.
Intervention for a patient hospitalised following the fracture of both legs in the rehabilitation department. Prospects: Inability to walk for 8 weeks. Use of a wheelchair. Explanation of prescribed care. Discussion of personal and family situation and ability to use a wheelchair at home. Verification of administrative procedures carried out.
Intervention with the discharge office on behalf of an American patient, a passenger on a cruise ship,
who had been hospitalised the previous day. She needed a very specific certificate from the hospital
to be allowed back on board.
She was thus able to return to the ship and set sail for Brest.
Speech on 3 May in the Maternity Ward at the hospital - appointment with the midwife. I translated for three people: With the midwife for the examination of the baby and the mother. - With the nursery nurse (bathing and caring for the baby). - With the paediatrician for the examination of the baby.
Intervention with the patient's family, at the Saint-Malo Family Planning with the midwife for a patient of Georgian nationality. The patient was accompanied by a social worker. The intervention took place in Russian and lasted 30 minutes.
Intervention at the Gardiner Hospital in Dinard. The aim of the operation was to make sure that the patient (Chilean) understood the instructions given by the medical team and to get her feedback so that the medical team could improve the well-being and recovery of the 90-year-old patient. The medical team gave us a very warm welcome.
Patient from Azerbaijan, Russian-speaking, operated on 3 days earlier. Until then, the medical team had not really been able to communicate with him. The operation went very well, and the patient was able to ask questions about his operation, the possible after-effects, his follow-up, and so on.
Intervention in the cardiology department at Saint-Malo Hospital. Translation of advice from a dietician on the importance of keeping a close eye on diet and from a nurse on the importance of being vigilant for any unusual phenomenon.
