Please note, this is an archived story. Please check the date above.

Dr Syed Abidi has published the reference book to help non-English speaking ethnic minorities overcome language barriers and improve their health.

The book covers common problems such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer and touches on difficult areas such as mental illness and sexual health.

Dr Abidi, who worked at North Manchester General Hospital before going into general practice and publishing, hopes the book will be useful to both doctors and patients.

He said: 2Many people in the ethnic communities, particularly elderly people and women, find it difficult to explain their symptoms to their GP because they don't speak good English.

"GPs have trouble trying to explain what is wrong, what treatment they need and how to prevent illness. This book explains various conditions in Urdu so doctors can show patients what is wrong and the options for dealing with it."

The book will be available through GP surgeries.