Language Services is focused on facilitating communication between staff and patients whose preferred language of communication is not English or their primary mode of communication is Auslan / Australian Sign Language.
Services Offered
- Interpreting – On-site
- Interpreting – Telephone
- Interpreting – Auslan
- Translation
- Training – Working with Interpreters
- Training – Cultural Awareness
Interpreter services are free of charge. Patients who have difficulties communicating in English are entitled to a professional interpreter. It is against Monash Health policy and not appropriate for children under 18 years to act as an interpreter for a family member.
Our interpreters are accredited by NAATI Level 3 (the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) and provide independent, unbiased, confidential, complete and accurate interpreting for both parties.
It is important to have an interpreter particularly when:
- a patient does not understand what staff are saying
- a patient does not understand anything they are required to sign
- it would be easier to communicate with staff in a patient′s native language
It is a patient′s responsibility to let staff know if you they are unable to attend an appointment, in case an interpreter has been booked.