Starting December 3, we are excited to announce access to video interpreting for American Sign Language (ASL) and an expanding list of spoken languages will be embedded directly within BC Virtual Visit – an addition to the audio-only interpreting service that has been available in BC Virtual Visit since June of this year.
BC Virtual Visit is a secure video solution that enables patients to visit with a health care provider from the comfort of home using a personal device. BC Virtual Visit clinical users will now have the option to schedule or invite video interpreters for ASL and an expanding list of spoken languages on-demand, from directly within the application. When an interpreter is scheduled or invited on-demand, they will join the call within a few minutes, enabling smooth and timely communication throughout the virtual visit.
This update enables BC Virtual Visit users to book interpreters with ease and on demand. You can now schedule ASL and video interpreters directly within BC Virtual Visit, instead of using the separate Provincial Language Services (PLS) portal. This reduces administrative steps and improves access to ASL and spoken language interpreters. We encourage all clinical users to use the integrated video and audio interpreting services, and experience the benefits firsthand.
Please Note: Island Health interpreting services should only be used for conversations about a patient's care.
For step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, see the following resources:
- Schedule an interpreter within BC Virtual Visit: BC Virtual Visit Scheduling QRG.
- Adding an interpreter on-demand within a BC Virtual Visit call: Adding an On-Demand Interpreter to a BC Virtual Visit Call QRG.
- If you have additional questions, please email virtualcare@islandhealth.ca or attend one of our upcoming drop-in training sessions (click here to register):
- December 15, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- January 14, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- February 9, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
If you are interested in implementing BC Virtual Visit into your practice, please visit our Virtual Care Technology Services Intake page.
We thank our clinical teams for their ongoing input and collaboration in making virtual care more accessible and user-friendly for both providers and patients!