Page 686 - Week 02 - Thursday, 20 February 2020
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(2) What is the risk that an interpreter might not be able to convey fully the conversations between psychologists and patients.
(3) What is the risk that an interpreter might misinterpret something a doctor or patient says and therefore convey wrong information.
(4) What strategies are in place to mitigate those risks.
Mr Rattenbury: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) As far as the ACT Health Directorate (ACTHD) is aware, there are currently no practicing psychologists fluent in Auslan in the ACT. There was previously one such practitioner, who visited the ACT periodically from NSW.
a) The practitioner withdrew her services on 8 January 2018 during contract variation negotiations with the ACT Health Directorate.
b) There is a national shortage of practicing psychologists fluent in Auslan. ACTHD offered priority support to any referrals made by the departing practitioner however none were forthcoming. ACTHD is currently working with stakeholders including the ACT Deaf community to develop a sustainable systemic response to the mental health needs of Deaf and deafblind Canberrans.
(2) Interpreters are governed by strict codes of practice which provide for levels of experience and training to allow interpreters to serve in complex scenarios such as health and legal matters. Given the strict accreditation and extensive training of interpreters, it is unlikely that this would occur.
(3) Interpreters act within the relevant guidelines of the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) which governs how interpretation services are provided and guide interpreters in their work.
(4) These highly professional, highly trained and qualified practitioners maintain their qualifications and skills through constant use and engagement with wider activities in the Deaf community. In addition to these qualifications are maintained through the NAATI and all practicing interpreters are required to be certified through this national governing body.
Mental health—suicide prevention
(Question No 2854)
Mrs Dunne asked the Minister for Mental Health, upon notice, on 29 November 2019:
What is the status of the work to develop the Regional ACT Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan and (a) is it on track to be completed in 2019-20; if no, why and (b) what has so far been discovered.
Mr Rattenbury: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
a) The ACT Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan (the ACT Plan) is on track to be completed by the end of 2019-20 financial year.
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