COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 3, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For Limited English Proficient (LEP) and Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing patients, time lost waiting for a language-specific interpreter to arrive at the point of care can make a difference in the treatment received. For this reason, Hartford Hospital utilizes Language Access Network's (LAN) revolutionary platform providing two-way Video Medical Interpreting at the touch of a button. LAN's Martti™ (My Accessible Real-Time Trusted Interpreter) devices provide nearly instant access to over 210 spoken languages, as well as American Sign Language. LAN's highly trained medical interpreters are located in LAN's language centers throughout the country and are available 24/7 in a HIPAA compliant atmosphere.
"Being in a fast-paced environment, this new technology helps bridge the gap between language barriers, and aid in providing effective communication between caretaker and patient," said Danette Alexander, Nurse Director Emergency Services & LIFE STAR, Hartford Hospital.
Interpretation services are not new to hospitals; in fact they are required. LAN's Martti units provide access to a vast array of languages nearly instantly - something that isn't possible to accomplish solely with on site staffing. "The availability of Martti in hospitals fundamentally changes the way LEP and Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients access healthcare. Without language barriers, patients make decisions about their care based on accurate and complete information," explains LAN CEO, James Edwards.
About Language Access Network, LLC
Language Access Network, LLC (LAN) is the leader in trusted healthcare communications, providing Video Medical Interpretation (VMI) services to hospitals and other medical venues nationwide. As a result of being physician owned and solely focused on healthcare, LAN has unique insight into driving better outcomes, improving patient satisfaction and being a true partner to client hospitals. Targeted towards Limited English Proficient and Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing patients, LAN provides its rapidly growing client base (currently over 350 medical facilities nationwide) with 24/7/365 access to the highest quality, trained interpreters available via its centralized video language centers.
About Hartford Hospital
Hartford Hospital, founded in 1854, is one of the largest teaching hospitals and tertiary care centers in New England with one of the region's busiest surgery practices. It is annually ranked among America's Best Hospitals by US News & World Report and has been recognized nationally for the quality of many of its programs, including cardiology, cancer, stroke and joint and spine care. The 867-bed regional referral center provides high-quality care in all clinical disciplines. Among its divisions is The Institute of Living, a 114-bed mental health facility with a national and international reputation of excellence. Jefferson House, a 104-bed long-term care facility, is also a special division of Hartford Hospital. The hospital's major centers of clinical excellence include cardiology, oncology, emergency services and trauma, mental health, women's health, orthopedics, bloodless surgery and advanced organ transplantation. Hartford Hospital owns and operates the state's only air ambulance system, LIFE STAR.