Posted on: March 20, 2023
Virtual Care Services is excited to bring you a new way to access interpreting servicing, making professional interpreters readily available for your patients.
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) is an on-demand application that allows care providers to connect to a live, medically trained interpreter through video or audio in a matter of seconds. VRI is actively being deployed to all acute care settings and is accessed via iPads on rolling stands.
Care providers working in the community can access the interpreting application on Island Health iPhones. All interpreting services are available at no cost for all Island Health programs.
All large site Emergency Departments are actively using VRI, with smaller centres deployments in progress. The Virtual Care team will be at your site soon, as we start our large site activations, making VRI available in all units and service areas.
“The Interpreter on Wheels tablet technology works amazingly well! I have had occasion to use it three times and each time have been extremely impressed. You can access a highly skilled, trained medical interpreter in almost any language, in less than one minute. It is clear to see that the patients appreciate the service too - it is so rewarding to see patients light up and when they are given the tools to communicate effectively.”
- Simon McVaugh-Smock, Interim Manager, Rehabilitation Services
To request Video Remote Interpreting for your clinical area ahead of your site activation, please email virtualcare@islandhealth.ca.
For more information, please visit the Interpreting Services Intranet Page.