BCHS and Latino/Hispanic Community
Project
announce partnership
Battle Creek Health System (BCHS) and the Latino/Hispanic
Community Project (LHCP) have joined forces to ensure
that services to Latinos/Hispanics are culturally and
linguistically appropriate. LHCP and BCHS are introducing
a pilot program in the hospital’s Family Birth
Center.
In June 2009, Denise Brooks-Williams, president and CEO
of Battle Creek Health System expressed the hospital’s
commitment to improving services for Hispanics. This
past summer, LHCP hosted two community conversations
for BCHS to hear directly from the Hispanic community
about their health needs and experiences. This information
is being used to implement the pilot program at the hospital.
The pilot program features Spanish/English medical interpreters
as well as translated documents, training for BCHS staff
on cultural competency and how to work with an interpreter,
and other tools to bridge communication differences.
Spanish-speaking patients going into labor may request
an interpreter upon arrival at BCHS or they may arrange
for an interpreter to meet them at the hospital by calling
LHCP ahead of time. Pregnant Hispanic women are encouraged
to contact LHCP before their due dates to plan for childbirth,
learn about the Family Birth Center, and to get connected
to community resources.
Although this program is only offered in the Family Birth
Center, professional interpreter services are always
available at no charge to patients. BCHS has a phone
interpreter service available in all departments. LHCP’s
in-person medical interpreters are also available 24/7
for patients living in Battle Creek who need assistance
at BCHS, specialists’ offices, dental offices,
and other medical providers.
BCHS is also offering a new Spanish phone line that allows
Spanish-speakers full access to hospital services and
information such as medical records, scheduling, billing,
and departments.
For more information or to request interpreter services,
please contact LHCP or BCHS. LHCP may be reached in English
or Spanish at 269-841-4111. To contact BCHS in English,
call 269- 966-8000. For Spanish, call 1-877-297-2366
and enter the code 0187 6160 8498 to be connected to
an interpreter.
The Latino/Hispanic Community Project is a community-based
non-profit organization that seeks to build a community
of opportunity, inclusion and well being for Latinos/Hispanics
in greater Battle Creek.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity
Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in
the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior
house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4
hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners,
is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation
of Healthcare Organizations. Battle Creek Health System,
a member of the Mercy Cancer Network, is a recipient
of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence
Award™ and 2010 five star rated for joint replacement
surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a
leading health care information company that provides
objective ‘report card’ ratings nationwide.
BCHS provides excellent health care for the community
and promotes wellness for the whole person with access
and compassion for all. For the latest medical information,
visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com ( http://www.bchealth.com/
) or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
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