At Northern Health, we believe language should never be a barrier to good healthcare. Our Transcultural and Language Services (TALS) team provides free, professional interpreting (including Auslan) and translation services to all Medicare eligible patients. We help you communicate confidently, understand your care, and make informed decisions about your health.
If you need help speaking or understanding English, you have the right to a professional interpreter. At Northern Health, we work with NAATI-certified professional interpreters and this service is free if you have a Medicare card. You can ask any staff member to arrange this for you.
Important to know:
- Professional interpreters are used to ensure accurate and confidential communication
- Family members or bilingual staff are not used as interpreters, except in emergencies
- Children under 18 are never used as interpreters
- If you need an interpreter, simply ask a staff member and we will arrange one for you
What to expect from the service?
When you use our service, you will be supported by interpreters who:
- Speak your language clearly and understand medical terms
- Are professionally trained and qualified in interpreting
- Keep your information private and confidential
- Remain neutral and do not take sides
- Interpreting everything that is said, without adding or leaving out information
Whether in person, over the phone, or by video, our interpreters are here to make sure you feel safe, respected and included.
Need information in your language? If you would like written information in your preferred language, let us know, we are here to help.