For various reasons people may not want someone from the British community to accompany them on a hospital visit. If anyone feels that their French is not up to coping with a consultation they can request that a translator is present and this must by law be provided free by the hospital either in person or by telephone.
If anyone is using a volunteer for a hospital visit, both parties should agree the boundaries of confidentiality before the visit (might be no one else may know, my partner only etc)
Any volunteer should be quite clear about their own medical knowlege before the visit ie ex medical professional, considerable hospital experience or just good at french
A volunteer should always know the rights of the patient - should be clearly displayed in the hospital or available as a pamphlet and especially how to make a complaint.
Val says - useful information so thanks to that reader.
The first point about getting a translator free by law. I can imagine that being very difficult to organize with out speaking French ( bizarrely) Also help could be needed with complicated registration and seeing an anesthetist
None of the accompanying French speakers need any medical knowledge, other than a mastery of the French language .
I would expect total confidentiality as a matter of course and as I know every one of the names on the list I am sure I can vouch for them all in that respect.
All points worth bearing in mind though.
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