Health information doesn’t stop at English

Meet some of WSLHD’s Translation Service team, led by manager Eva Melhem.

More than 180 multilingual contractors translate our health information into more than 60 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Persian, Turkish, Dari, Vietnamese, Korean, Tamil and Spanish.

Ms Melhelm said it was important for patients and the community to have access to clinical information in their preferred language.

“This enables cultural and linguistically diverse patients to understand their healthcare treatment, enabling a better health outcome,” she said.

“The translation service provides services to WSLHD facilities and affiliates, all other LHDs, the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, some non-government organisations, the Mental Health Review Tribunal and the Health Care Complaints Commission.

“We translate any written material into a specific language and this information is thoroughly checked and proof-read by our qualified staff.

“We also provide graphic design of artwork for multilingual print and web resources.

“We consumer-test the translated resources to ensure accuracy and cultural relevance; we also provide advice to health services or departments who develop multilingual health information for specific groups or nationalities.

“On average, we provide about 15 (service-delivery) projects to our health services each month.  We work off a service-based model and often charge a nominated fee, dependent on the scale and complexity of the project.”

The service operates during business hours and is located on the Cumberland Campus.

For enquiries or bookings, contact Eva Melhem at eva.melhem@health.gov.au or call 8838 6210.