AI Voice Agents for NHS Front Desk Translation
A strategic Imperative for modern healthcare
January 2026

Abstract
The National Health Service (NHS) is facing a significant and growing challenge in overcoming language barriers, which currently impact over 5.1 million people in England and Wales who do not speak English as their first language. This communication gap results in approximately £75.5 million per year spent on interpretation and translation services, yet fails to prevent profound operational inefficiencies, compromised patient safety, and significant health
inequalities. The adoption of this technology presents a compelling
value proposition. Financially, it offers a potential cost reduction of 60–70% on current interpreter spending, equating to annual savings of approximately
£45.3–£52.9 million against the current ~£75.5 million spend.

