Memorial Hospital News
Video interpreting system enhancing care at Memorial Hospital
05-Feb-2012
Memorial Hospital is now utilizing the Martti (My Accessible Real Time Trusted Interpreter) video interpreting service. The Martti system, which is provided by Language Access Network, LLC (LAN) will allow the hospital to have access to 170 languages – including American Sign Language (ASL) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Martti system provides immediate translating service to patients in need of medical care.
Annette Overmyer,
Project Leader
According to Annette Overmyer, Memorial Hospital’s volunteer services and Golden Threads manager and Martti project leaders, this service is essential to Memorial Hospital. “Proper and timely communication forms the cornerstone of high quality healthcare,” she said. “The Martti system is a cost-efficient interpreting solution that will aid in improving clinical outcomes by ensuring timely, effective and accurate communication between provider and patient, regardless of language.
The Martti system delivers interpreting service from medically trained LAN interpreters through a HIPAA certified secured broadband network via a portable video monitor. To utilize Martti interpreter services, Memorial Hospital patients and associates essentially video conference with an interpreter. As comprehensive and convenient as the Martti system is, it will not replace the current interpreters who work for the hospital.
“Martti is being utilized at Memorial Hospital to enhance our interpreting services,” said Overmyer. “In-person interpreting services will continue to be used at the hospital as well. Communicating to patients in a way that they feel comfortable is necessary when providing best possible care.”
Once the system is fully implemented, there will be three portable Martti units at Memorial Hospital. One will be stationed in the emergency department (ED), another at registration and the third location will be determined based on usage. The Martti system is extremely portable; it is on wheels, and consists of a video monitor with built in camera and microphone. It can also operate on batteries, which will allow all Memorial Hospital departments to have easy access to it.
Thus far, the system has been very well received by hospital associates and patients. “It’s an easy system to use, and patients have made positive remarks about the service provided by the interpreters,” said Tonnie LeJune, R.N., emergency department nurse.
Tonnie LeJune, R.N. and Katelyn Murphy, ED
registration clerk, with Martti System in
Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.
Martti Interpreter System Facts
Martti means: My Accessible Real Time Trusted Interpreter
Languages available: 170, including American Sign Language
Utilizations from Jan. 1 – Jan. 31: 49
Languages interpreted: ASL, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese
Hours & days available: 24/7/365
The Language Access Network is a Columbus, Ohio based, and physician owned company. According to its Web site, LAN is a leader in providing remote language interpretation and real time video interpretation services to the healthcare industry; it provides interpreting services to more than 180 medical facilities nationwide.
Memorial Hospital has provided health care to Sandusky County and neighboring communities since 1918 – the hospital provides inpatient and outpatient services. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including diagnostic imaging services, a wide range of surgical procedures, intensive care, inpatient pediatric care, emergency care, obstetrics, rehabilitation services, mental health services, hospice care, home health care and much more. For more information, visit memorialhcs.org.
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