Lost in Translation

I listened to an extraordinary discussion on Radio 5 while out driving the other day - a GP in England was complaining about the lack of resources in her local practice and bemoaning the fact that she didn't have their own dedicated translators, presumably for people whose first language is not English.

Now I can't be the only person to regard this as completely barking mad, because why should the NHS provide translation services for non-English speaking patients other than in the case of some dire emergency?

Surely the patient should be able to speak English or arrange to attend the doctor with a family member or friend instead of expecting the GP surgery to provide a  translation service free of charge.

I have no idea if this is a widespread problem or issue, but if it is then the NHS has clearly lost its marbles south of the border and is just pouring money down the drain.