The Interpreter & 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, therefore non-RCH provided interpreters are not authorised to practice at RCH, even if they are sent from a Government or other agency.

The Interpreter & NESB Service provides induction for new staff, such as nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals. These inductions cover how to work effectively with interpreters and the procedures to be followed for working with and booking interpreters at The Royal Children's Hospital. 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
• Najat Maroki, Director - on call 24 hours, 7 days a week. (Mobile 84435) 

All enquires and requests for an interpreter should be directed to the interpreter service, extension 5026 or 5998.

Outside of the above mentioned hours all requests should go to the Switchboard. Switchboard staff will make arrangements if an interpreter is required on the phone. If an interpreter is required to attend in person, they will contact the Director, Najat Maroki, who will be responsible for authorising the service and making the appropriate arrangements.

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 to page the Director of Interpreting to identify them. This practice is very important to control the comings and goings of outsiders, in regards to confidentiality and security.