Penn State Health is committed to ensuring all patients and visitors have access to effective communication while being cared for at our facilities. Ensuring that patients can effectively provide our staff with a clear statement of their medical condition, needs, history, and understand the care team’s assessment of their medical condition and treatment options is essential for quality patient care.
At Penn State Health, language assistance services are available to you for your medical care, free of charge. If your primary language is one other than English, including Sign Language, and you would like to communicate about your medical needs in that language, please inform our staff that you request a medical interpreter. During your stay, our staff can help you gain access to the following language assistance services for your medical care:
- Over the Phone Interpretation available 24 hours per day/7 days per week
- Video Remote Interpretation
- Professional in-person medical interpreters
- Medical document translation services
Medical Interpretation
Free medical interpretation services are always available for patients and their families in more than 150 languages and dialects, as well as American Sign Language. Interpretation options include video chat and telephone service. On-site sign language interpreters can be arranged in advance. Notify any staff member if you would like an interpreter. Under no circumstances should a noncertified medical interpreter be used as an interpreter.
Interpreter Services:
- Hampden Medical Center: 717-981-8134
- Holy Spirit Medical Center: 717-763-3082
- Lancaster Medical Center: 223-287-8204
- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Email [email protected]
- St. Joseph Medical Center: 484-955-5168
- Medical Group: Call practice site manager where patient received care
Non-medical Translations
Google Translate can be used to translate signs, menus and nonclinical documents and conversations in more than 130 languages. Please note that Penn State Health is not responsible for incorrect translations.
Download the Google Translate app from Google Play or the App Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
What languages are available for my medical interpretation or translation needs?
We provide language services for over 150 languages through spoken interpretation and written translation.
How do I access a medical interpreter?
Please inform our staff that you or a loved one requests a medical interpreter.
Can a family member or friend interpret for me?
Penn State Health recognizes that family/friends are an integral part of the care team. However, we are committed to quality care and that can best be achieved through a qualified and/or certified medical interpreter to ensure accurate and effective communication of medical information between our staff and patients.