PHSA’s Provincial Language Service (PLS) provides interpreting and translation services to all BC health authorities, translating written content in more than 50 languages for print, video and web, and offering interpreting services in more than 150 languages.

Programs and services routinely call on PLS to interpret for their clients/patients at medical appointments. However, to make translation services more accessible to more agencies, programs and services, PLS has lowered translation rates by 22 to 25 per cent.

“Our goal in reducing rates was to make it easier for our clients to offer translated materials,” says Kiran Malli, PLS Director. “Providing people with materials in their language increases access to health care and improves patient care. We hope more programs will consider using translated materials to share health care information and promote their services.”

BC has a linguistically diverse population. Providing limited English speakers with culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate materials and resources can reduce any language barriers to health care access and ensure that these clients can understand important health information.

More info?

Do you need to share important information about your program/service in other languages? Visit Provincial Language Service to learn more about how they can help or send them the details of your project for a quote to plstranslations@phsa.ca.