Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 18 Feb. (Europa Press) –
The assistance and support service for users of the University Hospital Complex of the Canary Islands (CHUC), part of the Ministry of Health of the Canary Islands Government, has initiated the project ‘And if we “communicate” in sign language?’ to address the communicative requirements between healthcare professionals and the deaf population, including those with hearing and deafblind disabilities.
The unveiling of this initiative featured the head of Rheumatology, Federico Díaz, who recounted his experiences as an attending physician in a consultation where a deaf patient was accompanied by an interpreter.
They were joined by Sign Language Interpreter and User Support Technician, Jesica Velázquez, who was interpreting in sign language throughout the event.
A service user, Domingo Hernández, expressed his gratitude towards the hospital and highlighted his contentment with the assistance provided.
During the press briefing, it was clarified that the requests from users within the healthcare sector are promptly addressed by providing guidance on the required procedures.
Consequently, Spanish sign language interpretation is offered during medical consultations, diagnostic tests, administrative processes, medical information sessions, informed consent processes, complaints, and any necessary hospital procedures upon advance request for support and assistance.
Additionally, ongoing internal training for staff in Spanish sign language is being conducted, and informative sessions will be organised for the deaf community to enhance awareness of hospital operations and user rights and responsibilities, as noted by HUC.
Appointment Request
For this purpose, there are two user support and assistance technicians holding official qualifications in Spanish sign language interpretation, who will balance this role with their regular duties within the Information Unit.
The initial operating hours are set from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, at the HUC, recognising that this timeframe experiences the highest concentration of healthcare activity, while also accommodating needs at varied times and interpreter availability.
To ensure the effective operation and organisation of this service, appointment requests with interpreters can be submitted in person at the HUC information points (main hospital entrance and outpatient services building), via email at [email protected], or through WhatsApp text message at 618 798 061 in advance, providing the name, surname, ID, date and time of consultation, along with the specialty required.
In this manner, a schedule is established based on patient requests that require real-time interpretation with health or administrative staff.
