2026-11-09
YOUR LANGUAGE, YOUR CARE: DRDH BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO SAFER HEALTHCARE
Deep River and District Health (DRDH) is continuing to break down language barriers and make healthcare safer, more accessible, and more inclusive with the introduction of enhanced interpretation technology across its health campus.
Building on the success of interpretation services first introduced in 2024, DRDH is launching a new and improved interpretation application on November 4, 2026. The enhanced technology provides healthcare teams with improved access to professional interpreters in more than 200 languages, including several Canadian Indigenous languages and sign language interpretation, helping patients, residents, and families communicate with their healthcare providers in the language of their choice, an important part of DRDH’s ongoing commitment to culturally safe and respectful care.
Since introducing interpretation technology in 2024, DRDH has recognized the important role that language access plays in delivering safe, high-quality, person-centred care. The introduction of this new application represents another step forward, making it easier for healthcare teams to connect with interpreters and support meaningful communication with the people they serve.
Clear communication is essential to patient safety. Whether discussing symptoms, understanding a diagnosis, reviewing medications, making decisions about treatment, or planning for care at home, being able to communicate in a preferred language helps patients and residents understand their care and participate confidently in decisions about their health.
“Language should never be a barrier to receiving safe, compassionate healthcare,” said Meagen Boisvenue, Vice President Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive at DRDH. “Since introducing interpretation services in 2024, we have seen the value of helping people communicate in the language they are most comfortable with. This enhanced technology builds on that commitment, empowering our teams to support patient’s understanding of care they are receiving, strengthening patient safety, and ensuring that everyone has a voice in their care.”
The new interpretation application supports communication across the DRDH health campus, including the Deep River and District Hospital, the North Renfrew Family Health Team, the Four Seasons Lodge Long-Term Care Home and DRDH’s newest program, the Community Access to Long Term Care Campfire Program. By connecting healthcare providers with professional interpreters, the technology helps ensure that important conversations about health, treatment, and care can take place clearly and effectively.
An important enhancement is the ability to coordinate interpretation services in advance of scheduled appointments. Patients and families who know they would benefit from an interpreter can speak with their healthcare team ahead of time, allowing DRDH staff to help arrange interpretation support before their visit. This additional flexibility helps reduce communication barriers and supports a more welcoming and accessible healthcare experience.
The availability of several Canadian Indigenous languages is also Alongside interpretation in hundreds of other languages and sign language interpretation, these services help recognize and respond to the diverse cultural, linguistic, and communication needs of the communities DRDH serves.
“Healthcare is built on relationships, trust, and understanding,” added Boisvenue. “When people can express themselves, ask questions, and make decisions in their preferred language, we create a safer and more inclusive care experience. We want every patient, resident, and family member to know that their voice matters and that we are committed to helping them be heard and understood.”
Patients, residents, and families are encouraged to ask for interpretation services whenever they would be helpful. Whether support is needed during a healthcare visit or arranged in advance of an appointment, DRDH team members can help connect individuals with the language services they need.
Through continued investment in innovative technologies and accessible services, DRDH is strengthening its commitment to safe, equitable, and person-centred healthcare, ensuring that language is not a barrier to receiving quality care close to home.
About Deep River and District Health
Deep River and District Health (DRDH) is an integrated health campus providing hospital, primary care, and long-term care services to Deep River and surrounding communities. Through the Deep River and District Hospital, North Renfrew Family Health Team, and Four Seasons Lodge Long-Term Care Home, DRDH is committed to providing excellent, compassionate care and strengthening the health and well-being of the communities it serves.