Language Services has adjusted access to interpretation services because of COVID-related staffing shortages and updated safety guidelines. Please offer language services to patients and families using the following guidelines:
- Routine visits should use video or telephone interpretation services rather than in-person interpretation for all languages, with the exception of deaf patients who ask for in-person ASL interpreters.
- Emergency care and critical care may continue to engage in-person interpreters. See additional guidelines for in-person interpretation.
- Spanish interpretation can also be engaged using telehealth carts or existing telehealth screens.
Language Services will maintain these adjustments for 60 days and will continue to follow the most up-to-date visitor and supplier guidelines. Caregivers can access interpretation services by saying “Language Services” into their Vocera or by calling their facility’s language service extension, which can be found at the bottom of this webpage.
“We understand that in-person interpretation is preferred by many caregivers and patients alike, but we appreciate everyone’s cooperation to ensure life-saving needs don’t go unmet,” says Carlos Martinez-Morales, manager of language and culture services.