What Types of Services are Provided?
1. Face-to-face Interpreting
The interpreter is in the same room as the service provider and the patient/client. Also called on-site or in-person interpreting.
2. Conference Call Interpreting
This form of remote interpreting involves interpretation of a telephone conversation, also called telephone interpreting. Can be used to follow up or check in with a client/patient after an appointment, procedure etc or to provide instructions prior to an appointment.
Message relay and reminder call
3. Message Relay
The interpreter receives a message from a service provider and relays it to the patient in his/her language. This helps to ensure that the patient has understood the details of an appointment (name of healthcare provider, date, time, location, specific instructions). Can also be used to schedule appointments when there is a language barrier.
Message relay and reminder call
4. Reminder Call
The interpreter calls the patient/client a day or two before a scheduled appointment to remind him/her of the details of the appointment (name of service provider, date, time, location and any special instructions).
Message relay and reminder call
5. Over-the-Phone Interpreter Services
To reduce risks associated with language barriers and working with untrained interpreters (family members, friends, visitors, staff, or volunteers), WRHA Language Access employs trained, accredited interpreters who provide interpreter services in a variety of languages.
However, it is impossible to provide an in-person interpreter for every situation. In order to provide a more complete range of services, Language Access has a formal contract with MCIS Language Solutions* to provide over-the-phone interpretation in over 200 languages 24/7 when a WRHA Language Access trained health interpreter is unavailable.
For most situations, over-the-phone services must be pre-authorized with a specific client ID number and a unique single-use authorization code, and are arranged by Language Access @ 204-788-8585.
However, due to the urgent nature of situations in Emergency Departments, ER staff have been granted pre-authorized direct access to Language Line Services.
If you have further questions about over-the-phone interpretation send a message to languageaccess@wrha.mb.ca.