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Interpreters

Interpretation services

Sunnybrook is pleased to offer professional interpretation services to our patients.

We're committed to ensuring that all patients receive high quality care, regardless of their preferred language of communication.The new Language Services Toronto offers interpretation services.

If you or a family member feel more comfortable speaking in a language other than English you may need a professional interpreter. Interpreters can improve your communication with your healthcare provider by allowing both parties to speak easily in their own language.

Using interpretation services at your medical appointment will not affect your personal privacy and confidentiality. We have taken steps to ensure that everyone who performs services for us protects your privacy and only uses your personal health information for the purposes you have consented to.

Interpretation is available for:

  1. Short appointments or consultations of less than 30 minutes
  2. Obtaining informed consent from a patient
  3. Rare languages
  4. Urgent/emergency encounters
  5. After-hours/weekends

** Please note that interpreters are available for 180 languages and American Sign Language (ASL).

How do I arrange for an interpreter?

Interpretation services at Sunnybrook is arranged by the clinical area or physicians office directly.

You will need to make your request within three business days (Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and statutory holidays), to provide enough time to arrange for these services for you.

Your healthcare provider will arrange for the type of interpretation based on factors such as type, complexity and length of appointment, as well as availability of suitable interpreters.

There are two common types of interpretation, face-to-face interpretation where an interpreter is present at the appointment for you, and over-the-phone where interpretation is done remotely by an interpreter. There is no cost to you for the service.

To arrange for interpretation services now, please complete the form below by filling in each field: