Translator Policy

Our practice can provide health services to a diverse and multicultural population, including people with disability and those from non-English-speaking backgrounds (NESB).

We recommend NESB patients use a professional interpreter service to assist them during consultations. They may wish to enlist a translator who is a family member or friend, however we discourage children from translating on their parent's behalf. And in some cases, having a family member or friend translate is also not appropriate, for the following important reasons:

* sometimes the patient is reluctant to disclose information to someone they know

* a relative or friend may inadvertently or deliberately relay biased translation of information.

We advise patients to use the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) - Doctors Priority Line (1300 131 450). This is a free service, available 24 hours a day by phone at the time of consultation or with 48 hours' notice, onsite at the practice.

As well as impartiality and greater accuracy, we prefer professional interpreter services over family or friends translating for a patient because they:

* enhance our provision of quality patient care

* offer confidentiality

* understand the importance of risk management

* provide efficient, effective communication of information in sometimes time-critical situations

* adhere to professional conduct at all times, not being emotionally involved with patients.