Staff member in Cath Lab in scrubsStaff in scrubs in the Cath LabStaff in scrubs in the Cath Lab

About

Launching our Language Skills Badge Program

Austin Health staff member holding up Tagalog language badge as part of the Language Skills Badge Program

3 December 2025

Austin Health has launched a new Language Skills Badge Program to help patients and families from culturally and linguistically diverse communities feel more supported during their healthcare experience. 

The program allows staff and volunteers who self-assess as confident and competent in speaking languages other than English to wear a language badge while at work. The badge lets patients know that the staff member can engage in simple, everyday conversations in that language.

Why we introduced the program

With many of our patients speaking a language other than English at home, the program is designed to: 

  • Improve general communication 
  • Recognise and respect cultural diversity 
  • Increase patient comfort and trust 
  • Enhance culturally safe care 

“Hospitals can feel isolating when language is a barrier. Our new Language Skills Badge program helps create a welcoming environment for patients and families - supporting social connection while ensuring all critical health conversations happen with professional NAATI interpreters,” says Michelle Marriner, Associate Director Clinical Excellence. 

The idea for the Language Skills Badge Program was first proposed by one of Austin Health’s valued consumer partners, Greg, who saw the difference it could make for patients feeling anxious or isolated due to language barriers. 

Since its launch, the program has been embraced enthusiastically by staff across Austin Health. 

“In just two weeks, over 200 staff have signed up, representing more than 65 languages. This incredible response shows the rich diversity we’re proud to celebrate, and how committed we are to making our hospital more welcoming and connected for every patient and family,” Michelle adds. 

Austin Health would like to acknowledge Metro South Health in Queensland, who generously shared their program resources and learnings to help bring the Language Skills Badge Program to life at Austin Health.  

For any clinical, medical or significant health-related conversations, a NAATI-certified professional interpreter must be booked to ensure safe, accurate communication.