Southampton Hospital Introduces Virtual Translators

Imagine facing a major medical issue yet not being able to understand the healthcare professional that’s tending to you.

While Southampton Hospital has offered various translation services in the past, they recently announced the Hospital will now be utilizing Stratus Video, video language translators, which marks a significant step forward, especially during the summer when the area’s population swells to nearly four times the year-round number as tourists from around the world visit.

Although the equipment looks unassuming, like just an average iPad that happens to be connected to a stand on wheels, when it’s activated, patients are able to both see and hear a medically qualified interpreter that speaks their language, within just 30 seconds. Since you can’t schedule most medical emergencies, interpreters will be available at all hours. The interpreter is able to view the clinician and the patient as they converse, however, the patient does have the option to switch the video feed off and make it so the interpreter can only hear them.

Currently, Southampton Hospital has the ability to translate 40 languages through the video remote interpretation (VRI) – which is instant, mobile, and cost effective, and over 200 languages on audio interpretation.

The patient-physician relationship continues to remain a top priority at Southampton Hospital. “We want every patient to experience the same level of high quality and compassionate care,” noted Robert S. Chaloner, President & CEO. “We are taking this important step by introducing Stratus Video Translation as a way to enhance care delivery for patients in Southampton Hospital and, most importantly, it could save a life.”

Southampton Hospital is located at 240 Meeting House Lane in Southampton. For more information, call 631-726-8200 or visit www.southamptonhospital.org.