It is more appropriate to use an on-site interpreter in the following situations:

1. the interpreting process will take more than one hour; or
   
   
2. staff need to determine a client’s detailed /technical /medical history or require the client to describe his/her medical ailment / injury – generally at admission or intake; or
   
   
3. the explanation of confidential or sensitive issues is involved e.g. termination of pregnancy, birth of a deformed child or treatment of sexually transmitted disease; or
   
   
4. the client and/or family are very distressed or emotional or traumatised and need to be reassured; or
   
   
5. the client is receiving a significant diagnosis and needs to understand their condition to be able to participate in decisions about the care and treatment options; or
   
   
6. the client is undergoing an invasive procedure or treatment intervention and needs to fully understand the risks, benefits and options before giving consent.
   
   
7. the client needs to understand the pre-operative and post-operative instructions;
   
   
8. the client needs to understand discharge procedures and referrals, including providing information about medication
   
   
9. the client is undergoing therapy, counseling and crisis intervention under the Mental Health Act.