VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE
PLEASE GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK
So there is a new company coming on board with a nationwide hospital and together they are trying to INCREASE the QUALITY of interpreting services to Deaf individuals in their care.
Across the US this hospital is finding that they have a low rate of success in actually finding an interpreter in the middle of the night for 911 types of things.
The interpreters have kids and can't leave them in the middle of the night, gas prices are high and some interpreters can't afford the long drive, and sometimes there just aren't any interpreters close to some of the locations.
Either way there is a problem and we NEED YOUR HELP !!
The hospital has raised the pay to increase interpreter's ability to show up. They have also staffed some places with full time interpreters. These two options have helped SOME but now they are turning to places like HOURS and SORENSEN trying to get Video Remote Interpreting.
The hospital is planning on using video while the interpreter is on their way, or while the agency is making calls trying to locate someone.
This WOULD NOT be an alternative to your regularly scheduled appt, but simply a temporary fix in crisis situations.
The hospital understands that if you're lying face down during back surgery its just silly to think that a video interpreter is the right solution, but they know that when someone is in the waiting room and they need to communicate with them, that this could be the only way to do so.
The hospital realizes that without an interpreter, they make mistakes and get misinformation about your medical history, current condition, treatment options, allergies, and other life-and-death information.
The hospital is planning on going to Deaf community events to announce the installation of VRI but they want feedback from the Deaf community FIRST.
Have you used VRI? If so, what did you like/dislike?
Was it helpful?
What would you recommend?
Do you think this is a good idea?
Would you use VRI if it was there?