OCEANSIDE, Calif., July 22,2015 – Tri-City Medical Center has become the first hospital in San Diego to implement video remote interpreting using Stratus Video, the latest communication tool for delivering care to Limited English Proficiency patients, to serve the diverse North County community.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, California has the highest number of foreign language speakers in the country, accounting for over 15 million people, or 44 percent of the population. In North San Diego County, approximately 15% of residents age 5 and above speak Spanish & have limited English proficiency.
Tri-City Medical Center’s expanded interpretation services is part of its increased commitment to patient care excellence for North County residents. The additional service will be provided through more than 40 tablets throughout the facility. The technology will provide American Sign Language and Spanish interpretation at all hours, with additional languages, such as Mandarin and Cantonese, made available during specified schedules. The tablets work over an HIPAA-compliant Virtual Private Network and the service is provided by certified medical interpreters.
“This expanded service enhances the quality of care that we strive to provide and increases patient satisfaction,” said Sharon Schultz, Chief Nurse Executive at Tri-City Medical Center. “Tri-City Medical Center takes communication seriously, and wants to use every available tool to facilitate caring for the residents of the district it serves.”
Other interpreting services available at Tri-City Medical Center include full-time Spanish-English interpreters and telephonic interpretation in over 200 languages. The hospital has also created a process to qualify bilingual staff. Tri-City Medical Center conducts employee training focusing on communication and patient satisfaction for all employees when hired and periodically to enhance quality care and patient experience.
About Tri City Medical Center
Tri-City Medical Center has served its community for over 50 years and is a full service, acute-care hospital in Oceanside, Calif. with a primary care clinic and over 500 physicians practicing in 60 specialties. Its Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission recognizes its commitment to safe and effective patient care for the residents of the community it serves. It operates the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in North County as well as an Orthopedics & Spine, Cardiovascular Health Institute and a Neurological Institute along with the Tri-City Wellness Center in Carlsbad, Calif., recognized as one of the best wellness centers in San Diego County. It also specializes in women’s health, robotic surgery, cancer and emergency care. Selected from over 5,700 hospitals, Tri City medical Center has been recognized as an innovator in medical treatments, research, technology and care delivery as well as an anchor of health in the country.
For more information about Tri-City Medical Center and Tri-City Healthcare District, please visit www.tricitymed.org.
