Interpretive services available for supersites
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/04/2021 (2018 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
There are now 100 languages available for people in need of interpretation services when they book an appointment or receive a vaccine at a supersite, the province said on Wednesday.
“This is a service similar to what we use in our clinics,” Dr. Joss Reimer, medical officer of health for Shared Health and medical lead of the Vaccine Implementation Task Force, said at Wednesday’s provincial press conference.
“The person calling indicates they need an interpreter. The call centre agent is able to call the interpretive services line and requests the language the individual is asking for,” she said.
Interpretive services will locate an interpreter over the phone who can join the conversation, and they get linked in as part of a three-way phone call, she said.
“The individual can do all their speaking in the language of their choice. The interpreter will take that information, interpret it to English for the call centre agent.”
The call centre agent repeats the information in English, and the interpreter translates it to the individual in the language of their choice.
“As soon as somebody calls, they can speak to that agent, and request the service and then that third person joins the conversation,” Reimer said.
It’s one more step the provincial government is taking in removing barriers for people who may be hesitant to receive the vaccine, she pointed out.
“Being able to access care in your preferred language helps people better understand the information they’re being provided and makes the experience more comfortable, equitable and accessible,” said Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson.
“We believe this expansion to the services we offer will encourage more Manitobans to make their appointments and get the vaccine sooner.”
As well, people booking through the provincial call centre can now request spoken-language interpreter services at a supersite appointment, which will also be provided by phone. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services can also be requested for supersite appointments and will be provided by tablet or computer.
“We want as many people as possible to get the vaccine,” said Reimer. “Better language access is one way that we can reduce barriers for people who are eligible to get the vaccine. Immunization does not just protect the people who get immunized — it protects those around them, too.”
To book an appointment, call 1-844-626-8222. At that point, the caller can indicate they would like to speak to someone in their preferred language.
» kkielley@brandonsun.com