Multilingual Resources

It is important for people's health that they understand their medical conditions, and make informed decisions about their treatment.

GPs can use translated materials to help communicate with patients and to provide further information.

There are many places where GPs can quickly find reputable translated materials together with their English original.

Useful resources include:

• Major collections of  reputable fact sheets or brochures translated into patients' languages
• Fact sheets for major diseases

Sites with lots of translations for your patients

Health Translations: A Victorian Government site with links to useful translated materials from all around Australia.  http://www.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/

NSW Health catalogue of multicultural health resources. Use the Catalogue Online to locate health information in English and up to 35 other community languages (not all publications are available in all of these languages). www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au

French language: these sites were recommended by a GP who notes that quite a few African refugees have French as one of their languages:  Hepatitis B fact sheet: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/french/publicf/pubf/stdf/hepbf.html For more French translations see the sister site: http://www.healthyontario.com/Conditions.htm Find the topic you want through the A-Z index,  then click Français at the top right to go to the French translation.

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Sites with translations for major diseases

Diabetes Australia: Many useful translated pamphlets http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/en/Resources/Multilingual/

The Heart Foundation: Many of their patient leaflets are translated into community languages. http://www.heartfoundation.com.au/

Information about the health system

See the Division's brochures on Choosing and Using a GP in 8 common languages.

Language resources

Doctor's Priority Line: TIS (Translation and Interpreter Service)
Call 1300 131 450, or check details online for this free interpreter service.

Interpreter alerts
The Interpreter Symbol can be displayed by health care services to prompt patients to ask for an interpreter if they need one. Order online. See www.voma.vic.gov.au.
 

The new Victorian Interpreter Card tells staff what language the patient speaks. It is available from agencies including Centrelink offices and Adult Multicultural Education Services offices. If you would like Interpreter Cards to distribute to your patients, please contact VOMA on 9208 3162 or email.

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