Enhancing Patient-Centered Care Through Provincial Language Services
Are you curious about ways to bridge the language gap during appointments with patients? Do you know what supports are out there for translation and interpretation for individuals who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind, or Hard of Hearing? Provincial Language Services (PLS) supports patients to access culturally safe and person-centered supports. Culturally safe care is one of the core attributes guiding the Primary Care Networks (PCNs).
The Mission of Provincial Language Services
Provincial Language Services (PLS) helps organizations and individuals to access culturally safe and person-centered translation & interpretation services. PLS offers supports to diverse communities, including immigrants, refugees, minority language speakers, and individuals who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind, or Hard of Hearing.
PLS was created in 2003 by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) to address the language needs of immigrants and refugees and has since expanded to also support the Francophone community and individuals who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind, or Hard of Hearing. With these supports, PLS hopes to improve communication in healthcare and break down barriers.
Services Offered
PLS offers high-quality language access services to health authorities, family practitioners, specialists, and other healthcare professionals. PLS services include:
- Interpreting: Providing real-time interpretation services for 200+ different languages
- Deaf, Deaf-Blind & Hard of Hearing: Specialized support for individuals
- Francophone: Services for French-speaking individuals
- Translation: Translating print, web, and written material for 50+ languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). For the list of included languages, click here
PLS uses an equity-driven approach to make sure there is accessible communication between patients and their providers.
In addition to interpreting and translation they support community outreach, and health navigation support. These services help to foster inclusivity and cultural safety for patients with diverse cultural and language needs.
Primary Care Providers in Vancouver can access free PLS real-time Interpretation services when working with their patients. Please contact your Community Network Manager (CNM) for the access code.
If you would like more information on PLS, you can contact them below or access their website here.
PLS Contact Information
Phone: 604-297-8400
Toll-free: 1-877-BC Talks (228-2557)
Fax: 604-297-9304
Email: pls@phsa.ca
