Te Whatu Ora Health NZ - MidCentral have both spoken language and New Zealand Sign Language interpreting services available to any patients who may require assistance in communication.
Communication Difficulties
It is inappropriate for family or friends to interpret for you. This is due to a number reasons including loss of confidentiality and risk of inaccurate interpretation.
A MidCentral staff member will identify if you require an interpreting service and arrange for this service to be available.
MidCentral has access to a 24-hour telephone interpreting service that covers a comprehensive range of languages and uses trained interpreters.
Generally a speaker phone in a private location will be arranged so the patient and health professionals can communicate easily with the interpreter. All relevant health professionals and family members will be made aware of the interpreting process.
New Zealand Sign Language Interpreters
iSign is the designated New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) service provider for MidCentral. The service is available 24-hours and promotes the use of university qualified NZSL interpreters.