Being a voluntary interpreter is an enormous responsibility and is also an extremely rewarding way to help patients and their families during what can be a stressful moment in their lives. AVICS The Association Voluntary Interpreters Costa del Sol is based at the Hospital Costa del Sol in Marbella, as well as in CARE (Centro de Alta Resolucion in Las Lagunas, Mijas Costa). They assist during admissions, examinations, consultations (both in and out-patient), discharges (voluntary discharges also), procedures and many other provider-patient encounters. They encourage direct communication between the provider and patient translating each statement into the language needed at that time. The interpreters also provide non-medical services such as explaining the workings and amenities of the Hospital Costa del Sol and CARE Mijas, and they are there to also to communicate needs and concerns of the patient and family members to the appropriate member of staff of the Hospital Costa del Sol/CARE. The AVICS organisation is fully registered with the Junta de Andalucia and all the interpreters are insured during their time working on shift at the Hospital/CARE. They rely completely on donations from the general public as funds are often needed to cover insurances, as well as small expenses incurred when helping out some of the less fortunate patients with perhaps a bus fare home, a warm cup of tea or a telephone call. Please contact them if you would like to volunteer and/or donate.
