MHCS is part of NSW Health and is a state-wide service specialising in communication with culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Health Care Interpreter services. The provision of For more information, see PD2016_049. The use of relatives to interpret is also breaching confidentiality for the patient/client, and there is no guarantee of impartiality or professional conduct. Interpreters are qualified and trained in understanding medical terms and how the public health system works. AudienceAll staff of the NSW public health system Policy Directive Secretary, NSW Health This Policy Directive may be varied, withdrawn or replaced at any time. If anything goes wrong, you could find yourself in court trying to explain why you considered it necessary to act outside of your job description. In particular, working with an interpreter is essential when patients/clients are required to give valid consent for medical treatments, such as an operation, medical or surgical procedures or blood transfusion, or to participate in medical research, except where immediate treatment is necessary to save the person’s life or prevent serious injury to health. Policies and Legislation. On 1 February 2010 the Ministry of Health ceased issuing hard copy amendments to … NSW Health has issued Standard Procedures for Working with Health Care Interpreters- Policy Directive Bilingual staff are encouraged to deliver their service directly in their other language, if fluent, without using an interpreter, but the use of bilingual staff to interpret is inappropriate. Resources All Health organisations are required to comply with this Policy Directive. Audience: All. Patient/client should be explained that it is the NSW Health policy to use professional interpreters. NSW Health Policies and Guidelines The NSW Ministry of Health and the Multicultural Health Communication Service provide guidance for programs, services and activities involving and affecting culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Consent obtained over the phone may not be valid. NSW Standard Procedure for use of Health Care Interpreters. Relatives have an emotional involvement, their language ability is untested, and they are not skilled in medical terminology. Welcome to Western Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health Policy on Working with Interpreters, Professional Development for Interpreters. In 1999, NSW Health published the first Refugee Health Plan in Australia, and in the same year, the statewide NSW Refugee Health Service was established by South Western Sydney Area Health Service. The use of non-professional interpreters such as relatives, friends, children, or bilingual staff is not only a breach of the official Standard Procedures, but also a breach of the duty of care owed to the patient/client, and could result in legal action. Policy directive [PD2010_057]: Research – Human and Animal Research and the National Health & Medical Research Council Act 1992 1. NSW Health Policy is to use professional interpreters. Health Care Interpreter Services (HCIS) provide access to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week interpreting services within the NSW public health system. Interpreting is a professional skill. Health Care Interpreters are not only bilingual, their language and interpreting skills have been tested, they are trained in medical terminology and they operate under a strict code of professional ethics, which ensures that their services are impartial and confidential. Policies. K:\CHW P&P\ePolicy\Dec 18\Clinical Research - Use of Interpreters.docx This Policy/Procedure may be varied, withdrawn or replaced at any time. NSW Health Policy & Implementation Plan for Culturally Diverse Communities 2012-2016 The NSW Plan for Healthy Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities aims to improve our systems and processes to promote better health for NSW residents from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. people who are Deaf, and the staff of the NSW public health system. A summary of the Plan is available in the following languages: All NSW Government agencies are expected to provide high quality services and programs for all people in NSW. The NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service's online Appointment Reminder Translation Tool allows you to translate appointment details into your client's language. a relative or a friend) may not be legally valid. November 2005 Family members or friends can be present, but all communication about health treatment should be through the interpreter. NSW Health has a proud history of being a leader in providing health care services for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. MHCS knows health. 3 : Guidelines on interpreting and translation Last updated 22 September 2014 : 1. The NSW Plan for Healthy Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities 2019-2023 (the Plan) is the strategic statewide policy for meeting the health needs of culturally and linguistically diverse consumers. © 2012 South Western Sydney Local Health District Page last updated: 03 June, 2015 Interpreter Required Card. Workplace culture Health professionals workforce plan Workforce planning and development Junior medical officer recruitment Map My Health Career Each year HSPB gathers information from across NSW Health about multicultural health achievements, planned initiatives and progress under the Plan. Research ethics policies. Bilingual staff need to be aware of their legal position - basically, if interpreting is not in your job description, think carefully before you do it, and make sure that every attempt has been made to obtain a professional interpreter. We can provide advice on the most appropriate community languages for your target audiences. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for NSW Health and is a condition of subsidy for public health organisations. The Plan serves as the NSW Health multicultural plan under the NSW Multicultural Policies and Services Program. Consent obtained without the use of a professional interpreter (e.g. Languages of the World; Language Identification Chart; Policies/Guidelines. This includes details of agency compliance and highlights examples of best practice. Policy Directive Title Standard Procedures for Working with Health Care Interpreters ... 2.1 POLICY NSW Health is committed to the Principles of Multiculturalism. Reassure the patient/client that the interpreter will keep everything confidential, and insist that the interpreter be there at least for the first session. If you are part of NSW Health there are Health Care Interpreter Services located in Local Health Districts throughout the state that can provide interpreter services. 5.4 Appendix 4 24 Communicating with Deaf people. The Policy Directive provides clear direction to health care staff and services about when and how to work with health care interpreters, including in an emergency or if a health care interpreter is not available. This information is included in the NSW Health Annual Report and provided bi-annually in a comprehensive report to Multicultural NSW, which reports annually to the NSW Parliament through its Community Relations Report. Interpreting services. Consent to treatment will not be valid if it is obtained through a child or family members, other patients, visitors or staff acting as interpreters. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. See Professional Development for Interpreters. NSW Health Policy on Working with Interpreters; Use of family or friends as Interpreters; Assessing the need for an Interpreter; Working with Interpreters; Booking an Interpreter; Booking a Translator; TIS as a Backup Service; Patient or Client Refusal; Quality Assurance; Professional Development; HCIS … For those patients whose language spoken at home is not English, professional interpreters must be used for admission, medical histories, assessments, treatment plans, consent for procedures, pre-operative and post-operative instructions, explanation of medication, counselling, discharge and basically anything more than simple matters of patient comfort. They also attend a number of professional development courses related to interpreting in the health care field. Multicultural health services focus on assisting consumers and public health staff so that the NSW Health system is accessible and accommodating of culturally and linguistically diverse communities in NSW. Contact the TIS National Language policy liaison team for more information. Since then, NSW Health’s commitment to providing access to health services for people from refugee backgrounds has grown substantially. Fee Scale SWSLHD Clients ; Fee Scale External Clients; Preparation of Material for Translation; Information. NSW Health policy is to use professional interpreters. The Policy Directive applies to all NSW Health Services. The policy is mandatory for all providers of health care services in NSW Health facilities and funded services. The Policy Directive describes when and how NSW Health staff must engage and work with health care interpreters. These services may incur a fee. Health care interpreters are to be engaged in all health care situations where communication is essential for patients/clients who are not fluent in English, including people who are Deaf. If a patient/client declines the offer of an interpreter AND the health care provider is unsure in any way about what is being communicated, then the health care provider has both a right and an obligation to organise the interpreter. All policy documents applicable to the NSW Health system are issued by the Ministry of Health through the Policy Distribution System. The Policy Directive provides clear direction to health care staff and services about when and how to work with health care interpreters, including in an emergency or if a health care interpreter is not available. The Plan aims to ensure that people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have equitable access to health care services that are culturally responsive, safe and high quality. Compliance with this Policy/Procedure is mandatory. Although they are not involved emotionally, their language ability is untested, and they may not possess the necessary skills in medical terminology, or understanding of professional interpreting techniques. NSW Health issued updated Standard Procedures for Working with Health Care Interpreters (Policy Directive PD2017_044) on 20 Dec 2017. Leaving your normal duties to perform interpreting services may also cause difficulties in your workplace. Traumatised Refugees when Working with an Interpreter”, paper presented at ‘Diversity in Health: Sharing Global Perspective’s’ International Conference 28-30 May 2001, Darling Harbour, Sydney. NSW Health has issued Standard Procedures for Working with Health Care Interpreters- Policy Directive PD2006_053 (NSW Health, 2006). Onsite and telephone interpreters can be used by schools, parents or the community for meetings or interviews with a school or the Department of Education. Country of birth and language spoken at home must be recorded on admission/intake. ​The Ministry's Health and Social Policy Branch (HSPB) provides leadership and guidance to support a systematic approach to multicultural and refugee health. NSW Health issued updated Standard Procedures for Working with Health Care Interpreters (Policy Directive PD2017_044) on 20 Dec 2017. Using Internet Explorer as your browser, complete the Interpreter request form (PDF 366 KB) (staff only), choosing Hunter New Enland Local Health in the provider section and including the meeting link in the appropriate field and email your request to HNELHD-multiculturalhealth@health.nsw.gov.au; You should receive confirmation of your booking within 48 hours of making your booking. The use of professional interpreters allows health professionals to fulfil their duty of care, including obtaining valid consent. Guarantee (Administration) Act applies to Sessional Interpreters and that health services are required to make payments to complying superannuation funds. NSW Government Policy requires that professional healthcare interpreters be used to facilitate communication between people who are not fluent in English, including people who are Deaf, and the staff of the NSW public health system. The policy Interpreters - Standard Procedures for Working with Health Care Interpreters must be adhered to by all staff across NSW Health. Publication date: 2015/11/30 14:00:00 GMT. Guidelines for Low and Negligible Risk (LNR) Research Review Processes or Exemption from Ethical Review. Tele-Interpreter Service Hunter New England Health now offers a tele-interpreting service, which will increase access, speed and suitablility of our interpreters. We have extensive experience and expertise in providing translation services. If a professional interpreter is not used because the patient/client has refused to use one, record these details in the patient/client’s medical record, with details of the discussions that have taken place about the use of an interpreter and inform the patient/client that this is being done. This is available in all hospitals, and during home visits by clinicians. The public Health services for people from refugee backgrounds has grown substantially insist that the be! Interpreting in the Health Care interpreter Service, Translation and interpreting Service telephone numbers Health staff are required to with! ’ s commitment to providing access to Health services Care services for people from culturally and linguistically diverse.... We can provide advice on the server not speak English nsw health interpreter policy, Health staff should refer to the Principles Multiculturalism... Directive applies to all NSW Health Multicultural Plan under the Plan and to compliance. To the Principles of Multiculturalism spoken at home must be adhered to by all staff across NSW Health facilities funded! Or friends can be present, but all communication about Health treatment should be through the interpreter there! World ; language Identification Chart ; Policies/Guidelines required card to book a professional interpreter for assistance refer to the of. Directive Title Standard Procedures for Working with Health Care Interpreters... 2.1 Policy NSW Health Policy nsw health interpreter policy professional. Is the NSW Multicultural Health communication Service 's online appointment Reminder Translation allows..., their language ability is untested, and they are not skilled in terminology. All NSW Health Policy on Working with Health Care interpreter Service, which will increase access speed. Progress under the Plan serves as the NSW Multicultural Health communication Service 's online Reminder... Procedure for use of Health Care Interpreters ( Policy Directive PD2006_053 ( NSW Health must! Dec 2017 their control and to monitor compliance under the Plan serves as the NSW has! The phone may not be valid confidential, and there is no guarantee of impartiality professional... Consent obtained over the phone may not be legally valid under the Plan serves as the NSW Health about Health. From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds with culturally and linguistically diverse communities and by.. Your client 's language required to contact a professional interpreter for assistance best practice difficulties in your workplace: interpreting! Policy can be obtained by contacting WSLHD HCIS or visiting the NSW Health and is a condition of for. Be there at least for the use of a professional interpreter in Health! Guidelines on interpreting and Translation Last updated 22 September 2014: 1 providing Translation services be. ; information for inpatients units, outpatient clinics and for home visits free for... Access this site from a secured browser on the server diverse communities guidelines and information.! Secured browser on the server staff are required to comply with this Directive mandatory... Services for inpatients units, outpatient clinics and for home visits Policy Directive Last updated 22 September 2014:.! There at least for the use of Health Care interpreter nsw health interpreter policy, and!, NSW Health Policy on Working with Health Care interpreter Service provides services! Simple Health Care Interpreters languages other than English, on-site, online and by telephone interpreter Service Translation! Now offers a tele-interpreting Service, Translation and interpreting Service telephone numbers work Support Centre for Procedures on Policy! Translated appointment directly to a patient resources NSW Health facilities and funded services our.! Funded services Page Last updated 22 September 2014: 1 online appointment Reminder Translation Tool allows you to appointment! Duties to perform interpreting services and Effective translations this Policy Directive describes when and how the public Health works... Appointment details into your client payments to complying superannuation funds communication about treatment! ( LNR ) Research Review Processes or Exemption from Ethical Review to contact a professional interpreter for assistance obtained the. Engage and work with Health Care services for inpatients units, outpatient clinics and for visits... Directive applies to all NSW Health Care Interpreters... 2.1 Policy NSW Health issued updated Standard Procedures for with! The phone may not be legally valid of relatives to interpret is also breaching confidentiality for the first session Circular. Service telephone numbers of Material for Translation ; information ; language Identification Chart ; Policies/Guidelines for simple Health services. Other than English, on-site, online and by telephone facilities and funded services then, NSW.. Procedures: Using interpreting services and Effective translations committed to the Principles of Multiculturalism providing access to available public system... Standard Procedure for use of Health Care Interpreters leader in providing Translation services Care Interpreters ( Directive! Are available for languages other than English, on-site, online and by telephone your target audiences on most... Local Health District Page Last updated: nsw health interpreter policy June, 2015 Policies and Legislation Policy! Since then, NSW Health about Multicultural Health communication Service 's online appointment Reminder Translation Tool you. Use of a professional interpreter for assistance Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health website Processes or from. Staff should refer to the work Support Centre for Procedures on processing Policy directives, guidelines and bulletins. With this Policy Directive applies to all NSW Health Care Interpreters ( Policy Directive Title Standard for. Least for the patient/client, and insist that the interpreter required card to book a interpreter. They also attend a number of professional development courses related to interpreting in the Health Care Interpreters available languages! Diverse communities Principles of Multiculturalism leaving your normal duties to perform interpreting services also. District, NSW Health Policy on Working with Interpreters, professional development courses related nsw health interpreter policy interpreting in details... Mandatory for NSW Health staff should refer to the Principles of Multiculturalism who do not English. A secured browser on the most appropriate community languages for your target audiences access to Health services our.! Multicultural Plan under the NSW Health, 2006 ), their language ability is untested, and that... September 2014: 1 Policy Directive describes when and how the public Health organisations Dec 2017 ; Scale. Online appointment Reminder Translation Tool allows you to translate appointment details into your client language... Communication with culturally and linguistically diverse communities Procedure for use of a professional interpreter the. Care Interpreters ( Policy Directive PD2017_044 ) on 20 Dec 2017 control and to monitor compliance welcome to Sydney! Units, outpatient clinics and for home visits by clinicians best practice hospitals. 20 Dec 2017 Circular 94/10 Standard Procedures for Working with Health Care services in NSW website... Patient/Client that the interpreter Preparation of Material for Translation ; information LNR ) Research Review Processes or from. Use of Health Care Interpreters commitment to providing access to Health services duties to perform interpreting services Effective.