French Language Interpretation Services

French Language Interpretation Services

Interpretation services are available to patients in all clinical units and departments at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) through several options. TBRHSC encourages the use of free, local interpretation options before using paid phone and video options. Below you will find interpretations services that connect French-speaking patients to their health care providers.

French-English Interpretation by TBRHSC staff members

The Hospital maintains a list of staff who are able to provide French-English interpretation services, in order to enhance the quality and accessibility of health services for the Francophone population, and ensure timely communication between patients and their health care providers.

To request translation services from a French-speaking staff member, you can download the “List of Hospital staff who interpret for patients in English/French” from the Intranet at: https://informed.tbrhsc.net/corporate-info/french-language-services

* Please note that staff availability varies

L’Accueil francophone de Thunder Bay

L’Accueil francophone’s main focus is to offer interpretation services between French-speaking clients and health care professionals. They provide quality interpretation services in a confidential and professional manner.

L’Accueil francophone’s interpretation services are available onsite, virtually, or by telephone, and are funded by the Ministry of Health, and are therefore offered free of charge.

To arrange French interpretation services, please contact L’Accueil francophone as soon as possible in advance of your patient’s appointment in order to guarantee availability:

To learn more about L’Accueil francophone’s services, please see the brochure here (available in French and English).

L’Accueil francophone via the Ontario Telehealth Network

L’Accueil francophone also offers French Language interpretation in real time via the Ontario Telehealth Network, connecting regional patients with their health care providers. Services can be accessed in the community by phone, at a hospital using the OTN system, and from home using a computer or tablet. 

Instructions on how to schedule French Language Interpretation Services via OTN can be found here in French and in English.

InSight Video Interpreting by LanguageLine

InSight Video interpreting offers interpretation services by medically trained interpreters, in 140 languages.

Availability varies, but is generally Monday – Friday, early morning to late evening hours, with the most common languages available on weekends.

To access InSight interpreting services, please use your unit/department iPad, and follow the instructions posted in the InSight Video Interpreting quick reference guide. The guide can be found here.

Remember to have your unit-specific Secured Access Code prior to initiating services, as the interpreter will ask you for this information. If you do not have your unit’s Secured Access Code, please request this from your Manager.

*Please note that there is a fee for service

Over the phone interpretation

Phone interpretation services provided by medically trained interpreters are available in 140 languages. Most languages are available 24/7.

To access phone interpretation services, please follow the instructions outlined in the Over the Phone Interpretation quick reference guide. The guide can be found here.

Remember to state the language you require for interpreting services, and have the Hospital client ID number and unit-specific Secured Access Code prior to initiating services, as the interpreter will ask you for this information. If you do not have your unit’s Secured Access Code, please request this from your Manager.

*Please note that there is a fee for service

Multicultural Association

Face-to-face interpretation services are offered by the Multicultural Association. A limited number of languages are available, and hours of service are typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Pre-booking is preferred.

*Please note that there is a fee for service

To learn more about interpretation services at TBRHSC, please access the Interpretation Overview on the intranet.

If you have any questions about French Language Services, please contact Rae-Anne Robinson, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator at 807-684-6396.