Interpretation and Translation

Oral interpretation and written translation services are provided to non-English speaking and hearing — impaired patients and their families. When a patient is hospitalized, the primary illness may be compounded by anxiety, reactions to separation from family and familiar surroundings, and fear of the unknown. In addition, cultural and ethnic beliefs may affect a patient’s attitude toward illness. A patient who cannot communicate suffers additional

Left to Right: Mary Solís, Antonio Heras, and Nory Arango

Language interpretation and translation services are available to assist non-English-speaking or hearing-impaired patients and families during clinic visits, hospital stays, or other communication with hospital staff.

The primary interpreting service requested at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are Spanish interpreters followed by sign language interpreters. Two full-time staff interpreters provide Spanish interpreter services. One half-time staff interpreter provides American Sign Language interpreter services and provides Spanish translation services for hospital documents.

A Language Bank of over 135 free lance persons as well as volunteers provide interpreter services, as needed, in over 40 languages. Please contact our interpreting program if you are bilingual and willing to participate in our Language Bank. To request services or information please call 319-356-1967.

Who to contact:

	Nory Arango Hospital Interpreter 319/356-7117 nory-arango@uiowa.edu
	Ozzie Diaz-Duque, PhD Coordinator of Interpreting and Translation Services (7 - 11 a.m.) 319/356-7116 odduque@healthcare.uiowa.edu
	Mary Solis Hospital Interpreter 319/356-1967 mary-solis@uiowa.edu

• Language Interpretation Resources
• Limited English Proficiency Resources
• Other Resources for UI Hospitals and Clinics Staff and Language Bank