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Translator in the Norwegian Health Service
You must receive information about your health, illness and treatment in a language you understand. If you have difficulty understanding and speaking Norwegian, you have the right to an interpreter in your preferred language.
Who has the right to an interpreter?
If you do not understand what is being said and cannot say what you need, you have the right to an interpreter in the language of your choice. You may be entitled to an interpreter even if you speak Norwegian on a daily basis.
Who orders a translator?
The health service is responsible for ordering a qualified interpreter.
Determining whether an interpreter is needed can be difficult. It is the medical staff who mainly assess whether an interpreter is needed. You can also say if you think an interpreter is needed, for example when making an appointment. You can also call the health service and ask to book an interpreter in your language.
Online or telephone interpreters can sometimes be a good alternative to an interpreter.
It is the Act on Interpreters that stipulates that public institutions are obliged to use the services of qualified interpreters.
Who can interpret?
The interpreter must be a trained interpreter.
Children cannot be used for translations. Other relatives or people who are not trained in interpreting should also not replace a qualified interpreter.
What should you pay attention to when using a translator?
It is important that you tell the health service exactly what language you prefer.
Once an interpreter has been booked for an interview, it is important to arrive at the agreed time. If you cannot come at the agreed time, you should cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If not, you have to pay for the consultation. It is especially important to keep this in mind when ordering an interpreter.
Who is a translator and what are the translator's responsibilities?
Such a person is obliged to maintain confidentiality and may not tell anyone about what results from the interpreted conversation.
The translator only needs to translate what has been said, and not give advice or add his own opinions. The interpreter must be neutral and take no sides.
As a patient, you relate to the medical staff. Therefore, any questions should be addressed to the medical staff and not to the interpreter.
Who pays for the interpreter?
For a healthcare patient, the interpreter is free of charge. The exception is when you go to the dentist, then you have to pay for an interpreter.
. You can complain
If you do not receive an interpreter, even if you think you need one, you can complain to the institution where you are a patient. You can also submit a complaint to the staroste in your poviat, Patient and User Rights Ombudsman and/ or Ombudsman for Equality and Discrimination .
If you are not satisfied with the translator, you can submit a complaint to the institution where you are a patient.
