Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has taken another stride in providing state-of-the-art technology and services for deaf and hard of hearing patients. Earlier this month, the hospital’s Language Assistance department proudly announced the successful installation of a public Videophone booth.
The device is the latest addition to multiple language assistance tools offered by the hospital to ensure that guests who are deaf or hard of hearing have access to multiple lines of communication. These individuals will be able to use the Videophone to make and receive telephone calls via American Sign Language interpretation. There is no cost to the caller or the person receiving the call.
The Videophone booth is located in the main lobby of the hospital, next to the information desk. Employees are encouraged to direct deaf or hard of hearing guests to this area should they need to make a phone call through an interpreter.
It is important for employees to note that individuals who are not deaf or hard of hearing will not be able to use the device; because in order to start a call, the caller must click that he/she is deaf and communicates by using American Sign Language.
Members of Jamaica Hospital’s Language Assistance Program worked collaboratively with the IT, Patient Access and Engineering departments to complete this project. Together, they are exploring the implementation of Videophones in inpatient units. The team will also be installing the device at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in the near future.
For any questions or technical issues involving the Videophone, please contact the Language Assistance Program 718- 206- 8742 or 718- 206- 8671.