A computer programmer has launched an app which he hopes will break down language barriers between doctors and patients.

David Sephton, 88, has released the Doctor Tick-Tack app which aims to help GP’s communicate with patients who don’t understand the same language.

The programme boasts 30 different languages and includes more than 1,000 different phrases typically used in doctor surgeries.

Users of the app are required to type a message on their phone which is then translated into the relevant language.

Mr Sephton, of Gosfield Road, Wethersfield, says he hopes his creation will not only save time, but also improve doctor and patient relationships.

He said: “Doctors who have tried it are very excited as they say it will give a massive boost to doctors in many countries who have a real problem trying to treat foreign patients who don’t speak the local language.

“It will also enable people who fall ill or have an accident abroad to be able to communicate effectively with doctors who don’t speak their language.

“It should give older people with a medical problem the confidence to go abroad on holiday without the fear that they may not find a doctor that can understand them.

“I think it will revolutionise the way doctors work.”

Mr Sephton began working on his app more than two years ago and has received sort help and advice from a team of 40 people from all over the world.

He says he was inspired to create it when a friend suggested the tool would prove valuable to doctors who regularly treat patients with little or no understanding of English.

Plans are in place to expand the programme once feedback has been received and users have suggested any possible improvements which could be made.

The app is only compatible with android phones, but Mr Sephton is also looking to establish a version which can be used on other smartphones as well.

He added: “There’s about 150 languages used in the world so I want to I’ve got a long way to go to get all of those on the app.

“I have a plan to take the idea in other directions as well so it can also be used in places like hospitals and dentists.”

Mr Septhon has been working in computer programming for more than 40 years and set up Cambridge-based publishers Primrose Publishing after studying Modern Languages and Latin at Oxford University as part of a wider scheme to create and run programmes for people seeking to learn new languages.

His app is available for download for 80p on Google Play.

For more information, visit www.2clix.net.