PA Hospital interpreter Yen Nguyen has helped patients navigate some of their most important life moments, for more than 20 years.
Yen began working as a full-time Vietnamese interpreter at PA Hospital in January 2006, after previously working as a freelance interpreter and one of the hospital's first contract interpreters.
"When PA Hospital asked if I wanted to work full time, I was very happy to accept it,” she said.
Yen believes the most rewarding part of the role is helping patients understand their healthcare and make informed decisions in their own language.
"Going to hospital for appointments, treatment or surgery is very scary, especially for patients with very limited English," she said.
"Queensland Health provides interpreters so patients can understand, discuss things in detail and make the best decisions for treatment in their own language.
“They are very grateful for that, and I love that very much."
There’s one patient story from early in Yen's career that has stayed with her for decades.
She recalls meeting a young mother experiencing postnatal depression who felt worried, sad and anxious.
Yen reassured her she was being understood at the appointment and encouraged her to continue seeking professional support.
"Years later she met me in the street, introduced me to her child and said her family now talks openly about postnatal depression with friends," she said.
“I was very happy to hear that.”
Dedicated staff like Yen play a vital role across Metro South Health, which has free interpreters who can help if patients are deaf, hard of hearing or would like to use a language other than English.
Professional interpreters require specialised skills to accurately communicate medical information, navigate cultural nuances and maintain confidentiality, impartiality and professionalism.
30 September is International Translation Day which celebrates those who connect cultures and communities every day.
Shout-out to all the wonderful interpreters in our health service, thank you for helping ensure every patient feels heard, understood and supported when it matters most.