The Interpreter Services brochure is available in 15 languages (PDF).

The Interpreter and NESB Services Department provides the patients and families of non-English speaking background (NESB)  with interpreting services so that the same quality of service is afforded to these families as to all other patients and their families.

The Department provides all interpreting services to NESB patients and families at The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH), therefore non-RCH provided interpreters are not authorised to practice at the RCH, even if they are sent from a Government or other agency.

The Interpreter and NESB Service provides education for staff, such as nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals. This education covers how to work effectively with interpreters and the procedures to be followed for working with and booking interpreters at the RCH. Cross-cultural issues that may arise are also addressed. Field placement, including on-site training and supervision, is offered for both local and international interpreting students.

When are we available?

Between the hours of:

• 8.30 am - 5.00 pm Monday - Friday (ext 55998)
• Outside of these hours please contact switchboard for telephone interpreting.

In extreme circumstances (death, deterioration of condition etc) out of hours face to face interpreting can be approved by the Nursing Hospital Manager.

All interpreters attending the hospital must wear an identification badge. In the cases where a badge is not being worn, they should be asked to produce it or contact the Interpreter Services Manager to identify them. This practice is very important to control the comings and goings of outsiders, in regards to confidentiality and security.