Dear Interpreter,

I am writing to you today with regards to the ever-changing working environment surrounding COVID-19. 

All Graduates has consulted with the language services department of the following health services with regards to the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for interpreters who accept and undertake onsite (face to face) bookings at the following hospitals –

• Melbourne Health including City Campus and Royal Park Campus
• Eastern Health including all affiliated sites
• Western Health including all affiliated sites
• Austin Health including all affiliated sites

The health services have advised that they are following the Department of Health and Human Services guidelines, screening protocols as well as following infection control best practices. 

There is a nation-wide shortage of PPE including masks and hand sanitizers. At present, All Graduates have been advised that specialist clinics are not using PPE unless otherwise instructed, and that the same situation would apply for any agency interpreters. 

Health services have acknowledged that an interpreter, who undertakes work in the same space that is deemed hazardous for health workers, will be offered and provided PPE that is worn by the healthcare worker. 

In the event that the health service is not able to provide you with or denies you of the safety measure, (E.g. To provide you with a mask or hand sanitizer pre and post your booking as per the institutional demands and stringent requirements mandated per health service), you may return the booking by calling us on (03) 9605 3000. 

At this stage All Graduates unfortunately do not have access to masks or hand sanitizers to supply our panel of interpreters. 

Based on changing client requirements and discussions with our clients, All Graduates will be acting on client instructions in making changes to some onsite bookings. These changes will include cancelling confirmed onsite bookings, converting onsite to telephone interpreting, and in some instances providing services via a videoconference. Our booking coordinators will contact you if any of your confirmed bookings are impacted. 

Please continue to monitor the Australian Government guidelines at this LINK as well as the COVID-19 LINK on the All Graduates Website for up to date information.

Stay safe and be well.

Kind Regards,

Ismail Akinci
Chief Executive Officer