Interpreters
You can access a professional interpreter if:
• if you do not speak English well, or
• are hearing impaired
Professional Interpreters do not cost anything and are confidential.
Professional interpreters can help you:
• understand what the health care staff are telling you
• can you make decisions about your health care.
• understand how to take your medicine
Health staff are responsible for arranging professional interpreters for patients and carers. If an interpreter is not provided, it is the right of the patient or carer to ask for one.
You can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450.
Make sure you:
• tell the operator the language you speak
• have the name and phone number of the person you want to speak to
This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hospital will pay for the service.
In an emergency, health staff can access either professional interpreters either face-to-face interpreters or on the telephone.
When you come to hospital it can be stressful, and the language might be unfamiliar. the stress can affect your English language skills. This means people may find it more difficult to communicate in hospital. We recommend you use a professional interpreter to help with communication.
The conversational English you speak at home may not allow you:
• to understand your medical condition
• make a decision about your treatment options
• be able to ask the health care professional questions you might have
Professional interpreters are available in many languages, including Australian Sign language (AUSLAN).
Sometimes a professional interpreter will not be immediately available. But we will help you find one for your appointment.
Health care staff must use a professional interpreter. Your family or friends can be with you when the staff use the professional interpreter.
Qualified professional interpreters are:
• trained in understanding medical terms
• understand how the public health system works
• required to keep all information discussed confidential.
• able to relate the information in full
Family and friends may leave out or change information for many reasons. They might want to protect their relative or friend from bad news. Or they may find it embarrassing to discuss personal health matters.
Family and friends can feel overwhelmed with all the information. They might not understand what they health professional is saying.
Family and friends can help with communication:
• when there is an emergency, and a professional interpreter is not available.
• for non-essential care.