WE LIP Success Story – March 2021
“As a healthcare service, it is critical that individuals have information that is easy to understand and accessible. The ability to provide our services in the language most comfortable for our clients is critical to this goal. The We Speak video and on-demand interpretation options have allowed us to meet our clients’ needs when, and how they need them, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
• Theresa Marentette, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Nursing Officer, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
“During complex times We Speak has provided our service the ability to effectively communicate with clients where English was not their first language. In the past, language barriers created a large challenge during health assessments and hindered our ability to appropriately meet clients’ needs in a timely manner. The translators are professional, easy to understand, patient and very supportive.”
• Stacey Shepley, Captain, Professional Standards, Essex-Windsor EMS
“For years, stakeholders have consistently identified the lack of convenient, affordable, and professional interpretation services, as both a barrier and a liability to quality and equitable healthcare for newcomers. We Speak represents a well informed and well executed community inspired solution that will better outcomes for families and healthcare providers alike.”
• Hugo Vega, We Speak Provider Partner, Regional Manager of Settlement and Integration Services, YMCA of Southwestern Ontario and Windsor Learning Centre
“I was just introduced to the We Speak virtual translation application and was incredibly impressed! The translator was professional, their interpretation of health conditions was accurate and the tool was incredibly easy to use. As the Executive Director of a Family Health Team, I feel We Speak provides reassurance to clinicians that they are understanding the patients’ health needs and providing them with comprehensive healthcare despite language barriers.”
• Margo Reilly, Executive Director, Harrow Health Centre
The media release received coverage on CTV News and Le Rampart.
Hugo Vega, WE LIP Chair and Regional Manager of Settlement and Integration Services, at the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario and Windsor Learning Centre was also interviewed by AM 800 to discuss the initiative.
This month, WE LIP distributed 200 promotional packages to health care providers in Windsor-Essex and a usage report for the initiative will be circulated amongst the Ontario Health network to build a case for continuous funding for the strategy and across the province to inform best practices.
We Speak continues to be promoted through social media. Click here for twitter moment: https://bit.ly/3dzD8mR
We Speak Launch
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