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Queensland Health Interpreter Service information for the public

information for the public

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 Client right to an interpreter 
   
 Interpreter quality 
   
 Queensland Government interpreter card 
   
 Types of interpreter services 
   
 Contact the Queensland Health Interpreter Service 
   
   
   
Queensland Health, in accordance with the Queensland Government Language Services Policy provides translator and interpreter services including Auslan (Interpreter Services).

Bookings are managed on behalf of consumers by Queensland Health. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a wee in all Queensland public health facilities. Clients who require interpreter services should inform staff before they arrive at a Queensland Health facility.

Captioning services are also available to Queensland Health clients. Captioning is the next version of speech and other sounds that can be provided onscreen. Captioning services can be delivered in real-time. Where possible, clients who need this service should advise Hospital and Health Service staff before their appointment. This will allow the service to be arranged in advance.

The Queensland Government Language Services Policy states that NAATI accredited or recognised professional interpreters should  be used and that non-professional interpreters should not be used unless the situation is urgent and a professional interpreter is unavailable.

Last updated: 17 June 2022

What's new?

Queensland Health's 2017-18 report on Our Story, Our Future: Queensland's Multicultural Action Plan 2016-17 - 2018-19
Queensland Health's progress against achieving actions in Queensland's Multicultural Action Plan.

Report on client perceptions of the quality of the Queensland Health Interpreter Service
A new report on the perceptions on clients on the quality of the Queensland Health Interpreter Service is now available.


National Interpreter Symbol

The blue interpreter symbol is the nationally recognised interpreter symbol.

national interpreter symbol

Click here for more information about this symbol.


Complaints about health or other services

Do you have concerns about a government or non-government health service or are you unhappy with the way an issue has been handled? Do you think you have been treated unfairly or are you concerned about a decision or action of a health professional?

It is ok to complain, and there are organisations that are independent of the government that can help you, free of charge.

Go to the Queensland Independent Complaint Agencies' website for more information.