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Healthy Diverse Populations - Interpretation and Translation Services


 

Diversity and Alberta Health Services

Interpretation and Translation Services

How Do I Arrange for a Language Interpreter?

Overview |  Interpretation Services |  Translation Services |  Statistics   |  Multicultural Health Information

 

To book a Calgary Health Region Certified Health Care Interpreter please call 403-955-1199 or email cal.bookingclerks@albertahealthservices.ca

Certified Health Care Interpreters are available at no cost* Monday to Thursday, 0800 - 2000, Friday 0800 - 1700, Saturday and Sunday 1500 - 1800 hours.  Interpreters provide in-person and over the phone interpretation in the most common spoken languages in Calgary, such as:

  • Cantonese
  • Mandarin
  • Punjabi
  • Hindi
  • Vietnamese
  • Arabic
  • Korean
  • Farsi
  • German
  • Italian
  • Urdu
  • Spanish
  • French
  • Russian
  • Sudanese languages (Dinka, Nuer)
  • Amharic
  • Portuguese
  • Tigrinya
  • Greek

You can arrange for a certified health care interpreter one of three ways:

  1. Call 403-955-1199. This option is available when you require an interpreter within 48 hours.
  2. E-mail a completed Interpretation Appointment Request

    Form Instructions for Emailing Interpretation Appointment Request Form: Open up the form by clicking the link. Save the file as a word document (File/Save As/) Ensure file type is .doc, then click save. Fill out form and save. Then click (File/Send to/Mail Recipient as Attachment) address is bookingclerks@calgaryhealthregion.ca
  3. Fax a completed Fax Interpretation Appointment Request Form to 403-955-1190. Your call, email or fax will be received by our dispatch clerk who will determine which interpreter will best meet your client’s needs. The Regional standard is to use only certified health care interpreters because they are:
  • Alberta Health Services - Calgary zone employees;
  • specially trained in the art of interpreting in health care situations;
  • tested for language proficiency;
  • impartial third parties.  

If your request is an emergency or if it is after hours, you can arrange for an over-the-phone interpreter by calling 1-800-523-1786. You will be connected with Language Line Services, a company contracted by the Calgary Health Region that provides Medical Interpreters 24/7 in 170 languages. The operator will ask you for the following information:

  • language required: the language your client speaks, for example (Punjabi)
  • personal code: your manager’s last name
  • organizational name: Calgary Health Region
  • client ID number: if you do not know this number, ask your manager or contact Interpretation & Translation Services at 403-944-0202

*All costs for interpretation are covered by Interpretation & Translation Services
 

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