Beebe Healthcare installs interpreting computers for deaf patients

Beebe Healthcare has installed two new video remote interpreting computers to assist deaf patients.

“These state-of-the-art units have better cameras for improved picture quality,” said Jeannie Briley-Wallo, RN, director of Patient Experience. “These new computers are available to our patients at the medical center in Lewes and at our Millville location. They allow deaf or hearing-impaired patients to use American Sign Language to communicate with Beebe team members.”

VRI computers are used when patients need to communicate important medical or family information with healthcare providers until a sign language interpreter arrives, said Alina Ferrer, certified healthcare interpreter. In addition to the VRI computers, a video phone is also available at the medical center in Lewes to allow deaf patients to use video conference call technology to place calls outside the hospital.

"The VRI computers use video-conference technology similar to Skype, though on a secure network, allowing deaf patients to connect virtually to a sign language interpreter. This technology can help patients who are unable to communicate important medical information during a time of crisis at the medical center," Briley-Wallo said.

The Millville location was chosen as a second site for the technology because there are many deaf patients who regularly utilize sign language interpreters there.

For more information on the new VRI computers, contact Briley-Wallo at 302-645-3547, Ferrer at 302-645-3190 or go to www.beebehealthcare.org.

For more information about Beebe Healthcare, go to www.beebehealthcare.org.