A call for interpreters at a local hospital (CT)

WTNH Television ^ | 5/11/2006 | Puppage

[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.

[half-cajun]

"To me, immigrants are immigrants."

So you make no distinction between people here legally and people here illegally?

[mlc9852]

The only distinction I make regarding immigrants is whether or not they are Muslim. The Muslims scare me - the Mexicans don't.

[half-cajun]

I didn't ask who scared you. Illegal immigrants, for the most part, don't scare me. In fact, most are very friendly people. However, I just can't believe that you find no relevance in the fact that there is a process to come to the U.S. and that millions of people aren't abiding by it.

[mlc9852]

I think the process is the problem. We all know many Mexicans come here to work. Many Mexicans already have established homes here. To think they are going to pack up and go back to Mexico any time soon is nothing more than wishful thinking. I think there needs to be a streamlined process for Mexicans to come to work in the US. Give them drivers' licenses and SSN, have them obey the laws, pay taxes, etc. Enroll their kids in school. Their kids may be a big improvement over what we have now. My point is that we need to be realistic.

[nutmeg]

Connecticut ping!

Please Freepmail me if you want on or off my infrequent Connecticut ping list.

[muir_redwoods]

Actually, if it's CT she probably isn't a Mexican, more likely a Puerto Rican.

Same issues, wants us to learn Spanish so she can be more comfortable. One big difference, no illegal immigration issues with Puerto Ricans, they're already Americans

[George from New England]

"The emergency personnel in Mexico speak Spanish. Next time, call from there."

And there is no guarantee whatsoever that emergency personal IN MEXICO will speak English - none at all. You're lucky down there if anyone shows up at all.

Balance - we need balance. Do unto others as they do unto you. Or something like that.

[Niteranger68]

And there is no guarantee whatsoever that emergency personal IN MEXICO will speak English - none at all. You're lucky down there if anyone shows up at all.

I didn't think about that.....