It is imperative that medical caregivers at the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children be able to communicate effectively with all patients and families. To accomplish that, we provide foreign language interpreters and sign language interpreters.
Foreign Language Services
There are four on-site Spanish interpreters who provide services Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They are:
- Norma Freire, BA, Spanish Interpreter
- Renee Wulff, MA, Spanish Interpreter
- Luisa Quinones, Spanish Interpreter
- Aurelia Mata, Spanish Interpreter
Staff and community volunteers are also available to translate for a variety of other foreign languages. The need for foreign language interpreters in the outpatient setting should be requested when the medical appointment is made. If the need was not identified at the time of scheduling, foreign language interpreters may be available by calling (302) 651-4232 or (302) 651-4230 as soon as the need is recognized.
The “Language Line” is a service that allows caregivers to speak to patients and their families over the telephone with the assistance of an interpreter who speaks their language. It is possible to obtain an interpreter for almost all languages. The hospital telephone operators can access this service when needed.
All foreign language interpreters have passed a standardized proficiency test in their language and in English.
Communicating with Hearing Impaired Patients and Their Families
Sign language interpreters are available from the community. The need for a sign language interpreter in the outpatient setting should be requested as far in advance as possible, preferably when the medical appointment is made. If the need was not identified at the time of scheduling, a sign language interpreter may be available by calling (302) 651-4232 or (302) 651-4230.
TDD phones are available through the social work office.