Interpreter services are free of charge. Patients who have difficulties communicating in English are entitled to a professional interpreter.
It is not appropriate for children under 18 years or other family members/friends to act as an interpreter for a family member
Our interpreters are NAATI accredited professional interpreters (the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) and provide independent, unbiased, confidential, complete and accurate interpreting for both parties.
- NAATI accredited interpreters are provided free of charge to CALD consumers;
- who request an interpreter,
- who prefer to speak a language other than English,
- who are unable to have every day conversations in English,
- who are able to have every day conversations but are not able to discuss clinical issues in English, and
- when staff need an interpreter to ensure effective communication.
- AUSLAN interpreters can be provided to all consumers who are Deaf.
It is important to have an interpreter particularly when:
- You do not understand what staff are saying to you
- You do not understand anything you are required to sign
- It would be easier to communicate with staff in your main language
It is your responsibility to let staff know if you are unable to attend an appointment as soon as possible, in case an interpreter has been booked.
Staff will identify the need for an interpreter, but if this has not happened, do not hesitate to ask for this support at any point in care.
Telephone interpreters are used for some appointment with patients and can be accessed for after-hours, emergencies, or if an on-site interpreter is unavailable.
Contact |
Ph: (03) 9981 2736
24/7 access to telephone interpreting service Ph: (03) 9605 3056 Email: [email protected] |