Page 20 - Focus March 2018

How to request an interpreter
Language Services |
“Family members withhold what they think is painful information from their relatives,” Reyes-Hull said. “Interpreters are trained to keep their feelings out of it.”
The need for qualified interpreters continues to grow. The Spanish- speaking population of Delaware is projected to double by 2060. The Asian and South Asian populations also are expanding.
“Interpreting is not just talking,” Ortiz said. “It’s a complex skills set that requires capturing the meaning of what is said, converting
the message into another language and rendering it in a way that respects the message’s original intent.”
Language Services will meet that need by educating staff, continu- ing LINCC training, providing face-to-face, telephonic and video services, and translating medical documents and forms into other languages. Their work embodies the values of Christiana Care, em- bracing diversity and showing respect to everyone, and anticipat- ing the needs of others to help with compassion and generosity. 
“Interpreting is not just talking. It’s a complex skills set that requires capturing the meaning of what is said... and rendering it in a way that respects the message’s original intent.”
Jacqueline Ortiz Director of Health Equity and Cultural Competence
Language Services staff at Christiana Hospital facilitate about 60 patient-caregiver encounters each day, and the number is growing.
At Christiana Care, all limited English proficiency and deaf patients are entitled to a qualified medical interpreter (in-person, telephonic or video), free of charge. Please ask for an interpreter when you make your next appointment. You may also call Christiana Care Language Services at 302-733-1861 or e-mail interpreters@christianacare.org. When possible, please call at least 48 hours before your appointment. Please do not rely on friends or family members to interpret during a health care visit.
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