Medical

Medical interpreter services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

• For urgent requests for a sign language interpreter, contact the UConn Health Operators at 860-679-2626.
• For non-urgent requests, contact the Interpreter Services office at 860-679-2289 or email Mandy Garner at mgarner@uchc.edu.
• Language Link can be utilized for UConn John Dempsey Hospital or UConn Medical Group telephone interpreting for LEP persons.

Steps to access:

Step 1: Call 1-888-338-7394.

Step 2: Enter account number 29094 followed by #.

Step 3: Select whether a 3rd party call is needed.

• If a 3rd party call is selected, you will be prompted to enter and confirm the domestic phone number that will be used to reach the 3rd party.

Step 4: Select the language by entering the corresponding number.

• If the language you need is not listed in the options, press 9 for all other languages.
• If you need to speak with a customer service representative prior to being connected with the interpreter, press 9.

Step 5: Enter Department Code - UConn John Dempsey Hospital #534, UConn Medical Group #864.

Dental

For patients being seen in the dental clinics or dental emergency room in the main building during regular business hours, a video remote interpreter is offered or an in-person interpreter can be scheduled.

After-hours, weekends, and holidays, follow the Emergency Department protocol for obtaining an interpreter, since the patient is seen by a medical clinician with a dental resident only as needed.

• For further information for dental interpreting requests, contact Heather Sperry at 860-679-3635 or 860-294-6630 (cell).

Additional Information for Both Medical and Dental Interpreter Services

• Interpreters Language Access Policy
• Informed Consent signed by a person whose documented preferred language is not English must be done in the presence of a qualified interpreter. No exceptions.
• Qualified interpreters are offered free of charge to all patients AND their companions.
• Minors and non-qualified staff are prohibited from interpreting, except in the event of an emergent medical situation.
• CyraCom interpreting may be accessed on demand 24/7/365 through preprogrammed telephones, video remote interpreter carts, or through the assistance of UConn Health operators.
• Translation of written documents must be done through certified vendors.
• For a list of video remote interpreter locations, see the policy. Designees for each location are available through the operators.
• Don’t rely on writing for effective communication of medical information with patients or companions whose preferred language is sign language.