Interpreting and translating
The Queensland Government recognises that a significant number of people do not speak English well enough or are not able to communicate adequately with Queensland Government staff and Queensland Government funded non-government organisations. The Queensland Government Language Services Policy states that clients should be provided with fair and equitable access to services that are responsive and high quality.
About interpreting and translating:
- An interpreter deals with the spoken word.
- A translator deals with written text.
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Accessing interpreter and translation services
How Queensland Health staff can arrange an interpreter for a client or patient. Queensland Health's interpreter service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week in more than 130 languages.
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Hospital and Health Service (HHS) interpreter service coordinators
Interpreter service coordinators organise, confirm and verify interpreter service bookings across facilities and services within Queensland Health's hospital and health service network.
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Right to an interpreter
Clients have a right to a professional interpreter if they need one when using a Queensland Health public service. Interpreters are provided at no charge.
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Guidelines and resources
Guidelines, resources and tools for communicating with clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
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Feedback and complaints
Queensland Health interpreter service users are encouraged to provide feedback to assist in monitoring service quality.