Language Services Policy
MP 0051/17 - Language Services Policy (pdf 173KB)
Applicable to: The policy is applicable to WA health entities.
Description: The WA health system is committed to providing high quality, safe and accessible health care to all Western Australians who may need language assistance when using WA health system services. This includes those who cannot effectively communicate in written and/or spoken standard Australian English (Standard English) such as some Aboriginal people, some people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people who are Deaf or hard of hearing who communicate in Auslan.
The Language Services Policy (the policy) establishes the minimum standards to enable effective communication with consumers and carers who have difficulty communicating in Standard English, or who are Deaf or hard of hearing, for the delivery of culturally appropriate and/or trauma informed care that is equitable, non-discriminatory, respectful and safe.
This policy supports the delivery of free, targeted language services that promote fundamental consumer rights such as access to high quality care and services, safety, respect, communication and participation.
The policy aligns to the State Government Western Australian Language Services Policy 2020.
This policy is a mandatory requirement for health service providers (HSPs) under the Communications Policy Framework pursuant to section 26(2)(c) of the Health Services Act 2016.
This policy is also a mandatory requirement for the Department of Health pursuant to section 29 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994.
Date of effect: 03 April 2017
Policy Framework
Communications
Language-Services-Procedure (pdf 122KB)
Language-Services-Annual-Reporting-Template (xlsx 35KB)
Language-Services-Guidelines (pdf 3MB)
Decision-making-tree-for-engaging-an-interpreter (pdf 65KB)