Since its inception, the Virtual Health Interpreters Service has enabled easier access to interpreters, reducing costs and travel expenses, while also supporting better health outcomes for multicultural communities.
Manager for Virtual Care, Tanya Baldacchino says the recognition of the award is a celebration of the collaboration between teams.
“The collaboration of the many teams who came together with a genuine shared goal, which was to improve the patient experience and access to interpreters, is something that I am very proud of,” says Tanya.
The introduction of the Virtual Interpreters service has shown a 194% increase in overall interpreter use comparing 2019 and 2023 usage levels. While interpreter use increased, the overall cost per service has decreased by 48% over this same time period.
Clerical Coordinator for Women’s and Children’s, Amanda Chapman says the project has provided improved access and increased availability to interpreting services for her patients.
“The project has increased availability for our department to book virtual interpreters required for the clients within the Women & Children division. We have found that patients are more at ease and feel better connected with video interpreters,” says Amanda.
“The project is an amazing achievement for our department and is an enormous accomplishment for all staff involved. The hard work and many hours invested in the video interpreting project is a true testament to all clinic staff.”
The service provided increased interpreter accessibility for CALD patients, enabling them to participate confidently in their health care planning and outcomes and make well informed decisions.
This project shows that virtual care and the timely access to interpreters can significantly improve health care, especially for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients.
Congratulations to the staff from Multicultural Health Service, Women’s and Children and Virtual Care on your nomination!
The finalists and winners will be celebrated at the NSW Health Awards ceremony, held on Thursday 24 October. Further information on the 2024 NSW Health Awards is available on the NSW Health website.