Mid Coast Hospital Offers Innovative Services for the Deaf

BRUNSWICK, ME – Effective June 2013, Mid Coast Hospital now offers a Video Relay Service (VRS) for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired patients and family members. Those able to communicate using American Sign Language (ASL) can now use video technology to communicate with interpreters.

A VRS is a video telecommunication service that allows individuals to communicate by video with peers and with sign language interpreters who can then communicate to hearing people in real-time. Unlike other deaf technology services that use phone technology and keyboard input, the VRS uses video and a high-speed internet connection, making it faster and more reliable.

"We are thrilled to be able to provide this extra service,” said Barbara McCue, RN, Director of Quality and Patient Safety at Mid Coast. “Having immediate access to interpreters will allow us to better accommodate the needs of our deaf and hard of hearing patients, especially in emergency situations when access to care may be critical.”

In addition to the new VRS system, Mid Coast Hospital continues to offer TTY and ASL interpreters as requested and needed by patients and families. Information about available interpreting resources can be found at the information desk and Emergency Department Registration, located at Mid Coast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Drive in Brunswick.