Interpreters

Interpreters are available to people to receiving health care in Tauranga and Whakatane Hospitals.  The service is free to all clients who are eligible for publicly funded healthcare at Bay of Plenty District Health Board. If patients are not eligible for publicly funded healthcare and require interpreting services, they are responsible for any costs incurred by the service.

Interpreters are provided to reduce apprehension for the patient and staff; to ensure greater accuracy of diagnosis; ensure more effective care and treatment and increase the satisfaction of care delivery for patients, clients and staff.

To meet our obligations with the Health and Disability Commission and adhere to The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights Section 5, every consumer has the right to effective communication in a form, language and manner that enables the consumer to understand the information provided.

The Bay of Plenty District Health Board is also able to supply a sign language interpreter for the deaf.