Right to an interpreter
Right to an interpreter in Auslan
Right to an interpreter
If you need healthcare in Queensland and use sign language, it is your right to have an interpreter.
Why you will need an interpreter
An interpreter can help you understand what is happening. They can also help doctors talk to you.
To have an operation or blood transfusion, you must be able to give informed consent. This means you need to understand what you are saying, "Yes" to, and the doctor has to be sure that you know.
You cannot have treatment if you do not understand what is going to happen, or if you say, "No".
The only time you can be treated without you saying, "Yes", is when you need help straight away in an emergency.
Find out more in the Working with interpreters fact sheet at the link below.
Watch the Auslan informed consent video at the link below.
Why a doctor may need an interpreter
If the doctor isn't fluent in sign language, they will need an interpreter for:
- finding out your medical history
- giving you the right treatment for your problem
- warning you about any risks of your treatment
- making sure you understand and say yes to the treatment
- giving you the same service as anyone else
- making sure the interpreter has given you the right message.
Booking an interpreter
How to book an interpreter:
- You can ask us to book an interpreter for you. We will always get you a qualified interpreter for free. If we know that you use Auslan, we will book an Auslan interpreter. If we can't get an interpreter for your appointment, we will change your appointment.
- Someone else can ask for an interpreter for you.
- Your GP can write that you need an interpreter on your referral.
You can also tell us if you don't want an interpreter. If this happens, we will ask you how you'd like to talk to us.
Family and friends as interpreters
We will not use your family or friends as interpreters unless you are very sick or badly hurt. If this happens, the interpreter must be at least 18 years old.
Interpreter card
If you need to see your GP or go to the hospital and you haven't booked an interpreter, download the Interpreter Required card at the link below and show it to staff. An interpreter will be arranged for you.
If you need healthcare in Queensland and use sign language, it is your right to have an interpreter.
Why you will need an interpreter
An interpreter can help you understand what is happening. They can also help doctors talk to you.
To have an operation or blood transfusion, you must be able to give informed consent. This means you need to understand what you are saying, "Yes" to, and the doctor has to be sure that you know.
You cannot have treatment if you do not understand what is going to happen, or if you say, "No".
The only time you can be treated without you saying, "Yes", is when you need help straight away in an emergency.
Find out more in the Working with interpreters fact sheet (PDF, 1.6MB).
Watch the Auslan informed consent video.
Why a doctor may need an interpreter
If the doctor isn't fluent in sign language, they will need an interpreter for:
- finding out your medical history
- giving you the right treatment for your problem
- warning you about any risks of your treatment
- making sure you understand and say yes to the treatment
- giving you the same service as anyone else
- making sure the interpreter has given you the right message.
Booking an interpreter
How to book an interpreter:
- You can ask us to book an interpreter for you. We will always get you a qualified interpreter for free. If we know that you use Auslan, we will book an Auslan interpreter. If we can't get an interpreter for your appointment, we will change your appointment.
- Someone else can ask for an interpreter for you.
- Your GP can write that you need an interpreter on your referral.
You can also tell us if you don't want an interpreter. If this happens, we will ask you how you'd like to talk to us.
Family and friends as interpreters
We will not use your family or friends as interpreters unless you are very sick or badly hurt. If this happens, the interpreter must be at least 18 years old.
Interpreter card
If you need to see your GP or go to the hospital and you haven't booked an interpreter, download the interpreter required card (PDF, 80KB) and show it to staff. An interpreter will be arranged for you.