A new on-demand video service is being trialled at five Community and Oral Health Services pilot sites as part of Metro South Health’s commitment to providing faster and easier access to interpreter services.
Consumers who require an interpreter to support consultations will be able to work with an on-demand video interpreter in their preferred language for the duration of their appointment.
Language Services Pilot Project Manager Angela Chang said it is expected to take on average 30-60 seconds for consumers and staff to be connected with an interpreter for the top 11 most frequently requested languages in the Metro South Health region.
“The on-demand video interpreting service has exciting potential as a flexible, cost-effective way to improve access to valuable language support to improve care experiences for consumers and staff,” Angela said.
“The selected pilot sites will understand how this modality can work across different Metro South Health services and clinical areas, and guide how it can be rolled out more broadly in future across Metro South Health.”
Staff at the Community and Oral Health Services pilot sites have recently completed training to ensure the service is rolled out smoothly.
Future pilot sites for the rollout in the coming months include QEII Hospital’s emergency department, acute wards and outpatient services, and Princess Alexandra Hospital’s emergency department.