Posted on 05/11/2006 9:18:15 AM PDT by Puppage
(Waterbury-WTNH, May 10, 2006 5:50 PM) _ Is there a communication gap in Waterbury?
A community group says part of the city's population is underserved at area hospitals.
Waterbury fire fighters always answer the call but on scene not everyone always speaks English.
Howard Osorio says,"Usually there is a neighbor or a child who is bilingual to help us out."
14-year-old Isomar is one of those bi-lingual kids.
Isomar says,"Since I was 8-years-old I have been translating for my mom."
She says the hardest part is at hospitals and having to translate medical jargon.
Isomar says,"It's just really embarrassing for me to have to tell the doctor about things about her and even some of the words I don't understand what they are saying."
In Waterbury alone there are over 40 different languages spoken so the Naugatuck Valley Project is asking hospitals to improve the translation system by providing trained, interpreters in person.
Elizabeth Rosa, Naugatuck Valley Project, says,"It's not about catering to them its about getting people the adequate health care."
Isomar says,"If I say something wrong and something happens to my mom I'm going to feel really guilty about it."
Most hospitals rely on bilingual staff members or volunteers. Most also have mechanical interpreting devices or a sort of bilingual conference call.
Rosa says,"You want to have the phone system available fine - but also there are ways to be able to get funds to get hospitals working together for a better system in the valley."
Isomar says her mother's English has gotten better but she still finds herself deciphering and translating what the doctor or nurse is saying.
Hey kid get a private Spanish speaking doctor and stop using the emergency room as a GP.
ping
The emergency personnel in Mexico speak Spanish. Next time, call from there.
How about volunteer tutors to teach English?
I think most communities have some sort of adult ed classes in English.
susie
i am pretty sure the Mexican health officials in Mexico speak a language yer mother can understand, kid. Get headed south and don't stop until you get there.
Bump!
In fact:
http://www.ctdhe.org/EEIC/pdfs/CourseWebsites.pdf
susie
The article states that over 40 languages are spoken there. Why single out Spanish?
You are missing the big picture here. The article states more than 40 languages are spoken.
It's about catering to them.
Because the Italians, Poles, Germans, Russians, etc aren't the ones complaining!!!!!
The article is about a Mexican.
Heck, medical jargon is hard to understand for many native speakers!
That's why they should teach Latin in school!!
"That's why they should teach Latin in school!!"
There is alot of greek in med jargon too.. but I think it would be better if they were to speak plain english to the patient. I find many American doctors lack bedside manner.
Waturbury, New Haven, Bridgeport....all sanctuary cities.
I missed where it said it was about a Mexican. Please point it out to me. I probably need new glasses.
Happy now?
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