Supporting you through your journey
Interpreters are essential in ensuring that your diagnosis and treatment are explained to you in your preferred language and that you understand the information you have been given. Mater provides experienced interpreters 24 hours a day, seven days a week in every language and offers this service free of charge to every clinic. Interpreters can be provided onsite, via telephone or via video remotely.
We also provide services for deaf patients requiring AUSLAN (Australian Sign Language). Our interpreters understand the importance of interpreting accurately and impartially and keeping all information confidential.
If you think a relative, friend or patient may need an interpreter, ask the Receptionist, Nurse, Doctor or Pharmacist, and provide them with details of the language, dialect and gender needed, which will assist them to organise an interpreter.
Family, friends, carers and partners
You are welcome to bring your partner, relatives or friends for support at your appointments or during your stay at hospital but they should not be an interpreter for you.
A trained interpreter must be engaged to ensure that you understand the information, procedures or surgery that is discussed with you.
With the assistance of a qualified interpreter the health professional will be able to understand the questions you have about your care.
Booking an interpreter
If you want to make sure that an interpreter will be at your first appointment, you can phone Mater using the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) on 13 14 50 a week before your appointment and we will check if an interpreter has been booked. If an interpreter has not been booked for you already, we can organise one for you.
If you are unable to attend your appointment at a clinic, or need to change the time, please contact the clinic as soon as possible (using TIS 13 14 50) so that another appointment can be made for you. Please tell the clinic that an interpreter had been booked for you and they will cancel the interpreter.
Directory of Accredited Practitioners of Translating and Interpreting
National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) is the national standards and credentialing authority for translators and interpreters in Australia. It is the only organisation to issue certification to practitioners who wish to work in this profession in Australia. For further information contact 1300 557 470.
In addition to our translated health information, other aged care, health and medical translated resources are available for friends and relatives of non-English speaking people. These include:
‘My Aged Care’ provides translated resources to help older people find information about health services and how to receive these services.
NPS Medicineswise provides translated resources about the safe use of medicines.
