Language Services

At One Brooklyn Health (OBH), we recognize that our patients and families come from diverse backgrounds and speak a variety of languages. Effective communication with patients and families is critical to ensuring high quality patient care. As such, we are committed to ensuring that individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and the Visually Impaired have meaningful access to services and an equal opportunity to participate in services in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

One Brooklyn Health (OBH) provides (VRI) Video Remote Interpretation and/or (OPI) Over-the-Phone Interpretation for immediate communication in over 240 languages, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no cost, at all One Brooklyn Health (OBH) locations. In some departments of Brookdale Hospital, we have bilingual staff. Mostly in Spanish and Haitian Creole.

We Speak Your Language!

One Brooklyn Health (OBH) provides American Sign Language via (VRI) Video Remote Interpretation at no cost for immediate communication. This technology allows the patient, provider, and interpreter to quickly connect and interact face-to-face ensuring high quality and timely patient care. We understand that some Deaf patients are uncomfortable using VRI or have underlying issues that make it difficult to see and/or communicate using VRI. These patients have the right to request an “in-person” Sign Language and/or Deaf Interpreter at no charge to be present during their hospital visit. “ASL In-Person interpreter services are provided by an outside agency and require a 24-notice.”

If you are visually impaired, our staff will assist you with the necessary forms. The Patient Bill of Rights and various selected forms are available in large print through the Office of Patient Experience. Please ask the staff to give you the layout of the space you are in to make you more comfortable and to read all documents to you, before signing them.

Contact Language Access at (718)240-7322 or (718)240-5020 or send us an email at hkerrema@bhmcny.org. TTY users call 711.