Our Service
At Metro North Health, we provide FREE interpreter and translation services in various languages including AUSLAN and First Nations with native speakers. All interpreters are professionally accredited, please ask our staff for assistance.
Interpreter services are available:
- In person
- Telephone
- Video
If we are unable to organise an interpreter to attend in person, we can arrange a telephone or video interpreter instead.
Interpreter services can help you communicate with healthcare staff and support you to be actively involved in your care and our service.
How to Book an Interpreter?
It’s easy to book an interpreter, simply follow these 4 steps:
Step 1
Speak with our staff and ask for an interpreter.
Step 2
Tell our staff which language you need.
Step 3
Our staff will arrange an interpreter for you.
Step 4
Wait for the interpreter to come and assist you.
Family and Friends as an Interpreter
You should not use family members, friends or carers to act as your interpreter. However, in some situations, they may need to help you if an interpreter is not available.
If a family member, friend or carer is used as an interpreter, staff must record the reason in your health record.
It is not an easy task to interpret medical treatment and/or health information. This should only be done by qualified and accredited interpreters.
Professional interpreters ensure you receive clear, accurate and safe information about your health and care.
Staff are not interpreters but depending on their role at the hospital they can:
- Help direct patients to where they need to go
- Explain basic care instructions
- Have friendly chat
If you need and interpreter, ask staff and they can organise one.