Care in your language
An interpreter is someone who translates messages from one language to another. They help you understand what someone is saying when they speak a different language.
These services can help you communicate better with your doctor and bridge cultural differences. Interpreter services are available at no cost and around the clock (24 hours a day). They can support you whether you are in the emergency department, preparing for surgery or have a scheduled appointment with a doctor. Ask your care team to document your preferred language in your medical record so we can provide you with the best care.
Services are available:
- On-demand: when you show up to the emergency department, urgent care or services aren't arranged in advance
- By appointment: you can ask for an interpreter when you make the appointment
- In-person: whenever possible an interpreter will come to you
- Over the phone or by video: when we do not have an interpreter available who speaks your preferred language, we offer video or phone services to provide interpretation
To protect your privacy and ensure accuracy, we kindly discourage using family and friends as interpreters. Having a trusted loved one interpret for you during a medical appointment can be comforting and we also want to remind you that children (under 18) are not permitted to interpret.
