As a care institution located in Vilvoorde, we are increasingly faced with patients who do not speak Dutch, French or German. Often, their cultural background differs greatly from that of the healthcare providers. Language and cultural barriers make it difficult to provide care.
The goal of intercultural mediation is to resolve the language barrier, socio-cultural barriers and inter-ethnic tensions in the context of assistance as much as possible. In doing so, we want to ensure that care is equally accessible and of equal quality for everyone.
Our intercultural mediator offers language support primarily in Dutch, French, English and Arabic. For other languages, the intercultural mediator will find and arrange the best possible interpreting solution for you. The intercultural mediator will also build bridges between patients and caregivers in diverse (cultural) situations.
How does this work in practice?
If language assistance/intercultural mediation is desired for a consultation, please notify the Appointments Department 48 hours in advance.
Please notify the nursing staff as soon as possible when registering for a hospital stay if you would like language assistance/intercultural mediation.
Also, when you arrive at our emergency department, do not hesitate to indicate that you would like language assistance/intercultural mediation.
You can also call in intercultural mediation in case of:
- Requests for information about how the hospital operates
- Translating and completing your administrative record.
You can reach Samuel Gross during office hours on tel. nr. +32 2257 55 94 or by e-mail: samuel.gross [at] azjanportaels.beclass="spamspan".