Sometimes there are good reasons why people can’t i for follow ups – after the operation on my arm I had to go in for quite a lot of appointments but wasn’t allowed drive (and wouldn’t have been able to even if they’d said I could!), my mum doesn’t drive and my dad couldn’t get anymore time off (having already been given extra to get me to previous hospital appointments!), I managed to get lifts from friends and relatives, and got the bus a couple of times as well but I can definitely see why its difficult for people to get in!
And as has been mentioned – you’re not allowed to get the bus home if you’ve had surgery so they need to provide an alternative for people that can’t get a lift – cheaper than providing overnight care so that they can then be let out in the morning…
Translators is an entirely different one – IMO if you can’t speak the language or come with a friend/relative that can then you should foot the bill. Not the same if you’re blind/deaf etc. as that’s a disability – the NHS should obviously continue paying for any support they need to receive treatment!!