Acolad Accredited for Healthcare Interpreting in the Netherlands

Through the certification of its Dutch entity for the ISO 21998 standard, Acolad enhances the quality of interpreting services for spoken and signed communication between health institutions and patients. It also establishes higher standards for healthcare interpreting training and the professional development of interpreters in the field.

Although applicable to the overall operations of Acolad in the Netherlands, the new certification is particularly relevant to the Acolad Academy, the group’s non-profit accredited training institution for Permanent Education of Interpreters and Translators. With the main goal of continuously supporting the professional development and qualification of interpreters and translators, the Academy also aims to respond to market and government demands in the Netherlands.

“This new certification is a reassurance for both healthcare providers and patients of our commitment to providing the best quality services and our focus in the professional development of our interpreters,” said Sylvie Versteylen, Acolad’s Senior Vice-President and General Manager Europe. “Thanks to the ISO 21998, the Acolad Academy can develop targeted training programs to help interpreters expand their knowledge and skills, in alignment with international best practices in healthcare interpreting.”

As a result of this achievement, interpreters trained by the Acolad Academy will have the necessary expertise to provide high-quality interpreting services in medical settings, such as health-related competencies, linguistic proficiency, as well as intercultural and interpersonal skills. This benefits both healthcare institutions and patients by ensuring the availability of professional interpreters who can facilitate effective communication and understanding between healthcare providers and patients, regardless of language and cultural barriers. This certification is a testament to Acolad’s commitment in ensuring the highest quality in the services it provides.