Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a GP who speaks my language?
Contact your local community health centre and they will help you find a doctor who speaks your language. All doctors are listed in the Yellow Pages directory under ‘Medical Practitioners'.

How can I get support in my own language?
Local community resource centres offer a range of services for people from CALD backgrounds such as bilingual caseworkers who can give specialist advice and make referrals to other agencies, social groups, and home help services.

How can I use a Health Care Service Interpreter?
Interpreters are arranged by health service staff such as doctors, nurses, social workers and administrators. Ask your health care provider to contact an interpreter for you.

How can I telephone a hospital or health service using an interpreter?
Non-English speakers who need to talk to English speakers can phone the Translation and Interpreter Service (TIS) on 131 450. When you phone, tell the operator the language you speak and ensure you have the name and phone number of the person you wish to contact. This free service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Why is there a Multicultural Health Service?
People who have migrated to Australia from non-English speaking countries have been shown to be disadvantaged when it comes to accessing health services and obtaining the best quality of services. They often have poorer health as a result. This is particularly true of people from refugee backgrounds.

The Multicultural Health Service addresses inequities in service access and provision in order to ensure that everyone in our community is treated fairly by the health care system. Improving the health of the most disadvantaged benefits all members of society by creating a fairer and more harmonious community, and by reducing disease, the consequences of alcohol and drug misuse and the occurrence of violence and crime.

Where can I find information about the SESIH population?
Demographic information about SESIH community languages, countries of birth, indigenous status and carers can be found at population information. For more details go to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

How can I find out about days of religious significance?
Several websites host interfaith calendars that list important days for the major faith groups. For example, the NSW Community Relations Commission produces Days of Religious Significance and there is a specialist Interfaith Calendar that also explains the significance of special days to each religious group.

How can I find out about SESIH services?
For information about about hospitals, community health, mental health, early childhood centres and dental health in South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Health visit Services.

How can I provide feedback or make a complaint about a SESIH service?
If you have some feedback or a complaint about a SESIH service there are a number of ways to register your concerns. You may also contact us if you would like to talk about a service or health care professional who you feel did not deliver culturally competent health care.