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From: Ann.Stalnaker@p0.f14.n385.z1.fidonet.org (Ann Stalnaker)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Hospitals and Interpreters
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Date: 4 Feb 91 21:49:33 GMT
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[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

 > The patient has the *legal right* to a competent interpreter,
 > if requested--by the patient.
 >
 > A similar situation happened some months ago when I brought
 > a deaf person to a local hospital.  I sent off a stiff
 > letter to the president of the hospital, and received
 > a rather self-serving reply from the chief of emergency
 > medicine.  Next time I'll take my Blue Cross card elsewhere.

Why not try to educate the personnel at this hospital, Jay?  I think
everyone would benefit if some of us advised them on how helpful
they could be.  I realize it can be very frustrating but it sure
can be rewarding when you see what you have accomplished.

Perhaps you might try to contact the hospital administrator and see
what can be worked out.  I believe a lot of hospital personnel are
being trained in sign language to ensure there are no communication
barriers, at least they are in several states in the Southwest.

--
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