Interpretation
You will receive information about your health, illness, and treatment in a language you understand. If you find it difficult to understand and speak Norwegian, you have the right to an interpreter in the language of your choice.
Sami Interpretation Services
Patients who have an appointment or are admitted to UNN have access to a Northern Sami interpreter from 08:00 to 22:00 throughout the week.
In Tromsø, the interpreter has an office in Breivika and offers interpretation services in person in Breivika and Åsgård. For many or large assignments on the same day, interpretation is also available in Harstad and Narvik.
Call us on t 46 84 74 04.
Read more about the interpretation service (finnmarkssykehuset.no)
Flere språk (more languages)
Who is entitled to an interpreter?
If you do not understand what is being said and cannot express what you need, you are entitled 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 the interpreter?
It is the healthcare service that is responsible for ordering a qualified interpreter.
It is the healthcare personnel who assess whether an interpreter is necessary. You can also indicate if you believe there is a need for an interpreter, for example when you book an appointment. You can also call the healthcare service and request that they order an interpreter in your language.
Video or telephone interpreting can sometimes be a good alternative to having an interpreter present in the room.
The interpreting law states that public authorities are obliged to use qualified interpreters.
Who pays for the interpreter?
Interpreting is free for you as a patient in the healthcare service. The exception is if you are going to the dentist and must pay for dental treatment yourself. In that case, you must also pay for the interpreter.
Who can interpret?
The interpreter should be a person who is trained as an interpreter.
Children should not be used as interpreters. Other relatives or individuals who do not have interpreting training should also not be used instead of a qualified interpreter.
What should you ensure when using an interpreter?
It is important that you inform the healthcare service exactly which language you wish to use.
When an interpreter has been ordered for a conversation, it is important that you arrive at the agreed time. If you cannot attend the scheduled appointment, you should cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, you will still have to pay for the consultation. It is particularly important to remember this when an interpreter has been ordered.
As a patient, you should communicate with the healthcare personnel. All questions should therefore be directed to the healthcare personnel, not to the interpreter.
What are the interpreter's duties?
The interpreter is bound by confidentiality. What is discussed in the conversation should not be disclosed to others.
The interpreter should only translate what is said, not give advice or add personal opinions. The interpreter should remain neutral and not take sides.
You can complain
If you do not receive an interpreter, even though you believe you need one, you can complain to the institution where you are a patient. You can also complain to the county governor, the Patient and User Ombudsman, or the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombudsman.
If you are not satisfied with the interpreter, you can complain about this to the institution where you are a patient.
More information:
https://www.helsenorge.no/rettigheter/tolk/