Werribee Mercy Hospital shines a light on interpreters

Last month, Werribee Mercy Hospital celebrated Harmony Day by recognising the invaluable role interpreters play within the healthcare industry.

Man Ting Chong, Werribee Mercy Hospital’s in-house Mandarin and Cantonese interpreter, plays a vital role every day in bridging cultural barriers and helping patients who have any difficulties speaking or understanding English to navigate the complexities of receiving healthcare in a language they understand.

Werribee Mercy Hospital is located in one of Australia’s most multicultural communities in Wyndham, Victoria making the work of an interpreter even more critical.

Man Ting arrived in Australia when she was 13 and witnessed first-hand the importance of interpreters when her brother required medical treatment. This experience inspired her mission to make healthcare more accessible for everyone. Throughout her four years at Werribee Mercy Hospital, Man Ting has helped patients to be informed and involved in their healthcare and understand important health information such as discharge instructions and treatment options.

Serving as a vital link between patients and clinicians at Werribee Mercy Hospital, Man Ting’s work encapsulates the Mercy mission of striving for justice in the delivery of compassionate care. She is proud to use the power of language to ensure all patients, no matter their background, receive the support they need.

“Working in such a diverse community is part of what makes my role as an interpreter so fulfilling. I know I’m supporting the local community and ensuring they feel heard,” said Man Ting.

“Language has the ability to turn confusion into clarity which is why I love what I do.”

Pictured above: Man Ting Chong, an interpreter at Werribee Mercy

More information is available on Mercy Health’s interpreter services.

Source: Mercy Health