Interpreter Services in Queensland Health - information for staff
Queensland Health clients who are not proficient in English will be provided with an interpreter at no charge.
The Queensland Language Services Policy outlines the Queensland Government's commitment to use interpreters and translated information to improve access to the full range of government and government-funded services for people with difficulty communicating in English.
The Queensland Health Working with Interpreter Guidelines state that a professional interpreter should be engaged when the information to be communicated to the patient is significant for health and/or health outcomes and the person’s English skills are assessed to be inadequate to properly understand the situation or the instructions they are being given, the person has a Queensland Government interpreter card, or if the person requests an interpreter.
Professional interpreters should be engaged through the Hospital and Health Interpreter Service Coordinator or using your local procedures.
Captioning services are also available to Queensland Health clients. Captioning is the text version of speech and other sounds that can be provided onscreen in real time. Captioning services can be delivered in real-time.
Captioning in real time is most likely needed by people who have a hearing impairment. If your client requires captioning services, please contact your local Interpreter Service Coordinator.
Interpreter services in Queensland Health
A Standing Offer Arrangement has been established for the provision of interpreting and translation services. This is a statewide whole-of-government arrangement available to all Queensland Government agencies and other eligible Queensland Government-funded service providers.
In accordance with principle 5.3 of the Queensland Procurement Policy (PDF, 480KB), common-use supply arrangements are mandated for use to achieve savings and benefits wherever practical. For more information, contact HSQLanguageservices@health.qld.gov.au.
The benefits of this arrangement for Queensland Government customers include:
- alignment with the Queensland Language Services Policy (PDF, 1.3MB)
- suppliers fully understand the requirements and are prepared to invest to build a solid relationship to improve and sustain excellence in service
- simplified engagement process
- practitioners are paid in line with their level of accreditation and certification
- consistent standards and services are available across the whole-of-Queensland
- comprehensive, timely, accurate supplier performance management and standardised reporting
- value for money.
Translating and interpreting service providers
- 2M Language Services
- Auslan Connections
- Ezispeak
- Translationz
- Language Loop
- ONCALL Interpreters and Translators
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages interpreting
Further information and resources on the Standing Offer Arrangement can be found on the Queensland Contracts Directory website.
If you have any queries about the Standing Offer Arrangement, please contact Craig Pyke at 07 3096 2270 or HSQLanguageservices@health.qld.gov.au.
