Jefferson Healthcare has two programs for patients with communication deficits. The first program, Language Line, is for patients with limited English proficiency. The second program includes a TTY phone and Pocket Talkers for the hearing impaired.
The Language Line program offers patients and families access to over-the-phone language interpretation services that translate conversations into patients’ primary or preferred languages. Interpreters are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week from phones located in the Acute Care Unit/Intensive Care Unit, the Emergency Department, and Registration. Hospital staff is trained to recognize language barriers and to assist patients and their families in using the interpreter service.
TTY phones and Pocket Talkers for the hearing impaired are available in every department. These devices amplify speakers’ voices so they don’t have to raise their voices to be heard.