Language Services
Children’s National Hospital is committed to facilitating communication between our providers and our deaf or hard of hearing and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients. Qualified interpreters are available for patients and families at no cost seven days a week, 24 hours a day, including on-site Spanish interpreters in the Emergency Department. Interpreter services are provided for as long as necessary. Having a trained medical interpreter ensures that the communication between patients, families and our hospital staff is complete and accurate.
Interpretation Resources for Patients and Families
- Face-to-face sign language interpretation with professional medical interpreters
- Face-to-face foreign language interpretation with professional medical interpreters
- Video remote interpretation services available for spoken languages and sign language
- Dual handset phones are available throughout the institution for over the phone interpretation
If you are making an appointment at Children’s National and you will need an interpreter, we will be happy to assist you.
Notice of Availability of Language Assistance Services and Auxiliary Aids and Services
You have the right to free language assistance services. Appropriate auxiliary aids and services to provide information in accessible formats are also available free of charge. Speak to your provider or a member of our staff if you need access to these services.
Contact Language Services
Contact as an Inpatient
If your child is staying in the hospital (inpatient) or visiting the Emergency Department, please let your nurse or a member of the medical team know that you will need an interpreter and they will help you gain access to these services.
Contact Children's National
You can contact our hospital operator at 202-476-5000.
Please mention to the operator that you need an interpreter and for what language.
Make an Appointment
Dial 1-888-884-BEAR (2327).
Please mention to the operator and/or scheduler that you will need an interpreter the day of your visit.
For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Families
We recommend using the 711 National Telecommunications Relay Service prior to contacting our Access Center or operators.