Practical information for employees in the medical sector

Framework agreement TVcN with Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports and Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports and the Ministry of Justice have concluded a framework agreement or contract with TVcN. If you want to know whether your organization is eligible for compensation of the services provided by TVcN, please contact the Customer Service department of TVcN on 088 - 255 52 22 or ask the relevant Ministry.

When do I use an interpreter in the health care sector?
National knowledge and advice centre Pharos developed a brochure explaining when and how to use interpretation services in the health care sector. Pharos is specialized in the health of refugees and in interculturalization of the health care sector Have a look at a brochure for interpreters in the health care sector (pdf).

Information on the the policy of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports regarding the deployment of interpreters and translators can be found here.

Medical Treatment Contracts Act (WGBO)

It has been determined in the Medical Treatment Contracts Act (WGBO) that the care provider has to communicate in a language the client can understand. In the Clients' Right of Complaint (Care Sector) Act, the Care Institutions (Quality) Act and the Individual Healthcare Professions Act (wet BIG) the deployment of a professional interpreter for a language problem is set as the standard. The "Field standards" have been set by a working group on the advice of the Health Care Inspectorate and can be found here.

Deployment of interpreters improves the quality of care  

The language barrier is the main problem for the accessibility of the care for foreigners. Studies show that professional interpreters have a positive effect on the quality and the result of the care and it furthermore increases patient satisfaction concerning the treatment. This effect is increased if the professionals are trained in conducting a conversation with an interpreter. Hanneke Bot obtained her doctorate in the study of the deployment of interpreters in the health care sector and conducts trainings in this field (please visit her website: www.hannekebot.eu).

Click here for the article "Holding a conversation with the help of an interpreter" (pdf) by Hanneke Bot -an article on working with interpreters in the mental health care sector. Please note: the article mentions the former telephone number of TVcN. The correct telephone number is 088 255 52 22.