Medical Interpreting services (MIS) is the provincial Sign Language Interpreter booking service and is funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority. MIS is based at the Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Head Office location in Vancouver, BC and provides service to communities across British Columbia.

MIS recognizes that clear communication between health care providers and patients is critical. It’s proven that dependence on a friend or family member to sign the medically related information can result in an inconsistent, inaccurate translation and may even compromise the patient’s confidentiality. Using qualified, professional Sign Language Interpreters will result in better evaluation and treatment options while reducing misunderstandings or the need for repeat consultations.

MIS will provide a qualified Sign Language Interpreter for most medical appointments such as:

• GP and specialists
• Psychiatrists
• Ophthalmologists
• Patient/ family conferences
• Gynaecology/ obstetrics
• Medical imaging
• Hospital stays

Some services are not available through MIS at this time. Please inquire for further details. If your medical situation is work related (WCB), please inform the dispatcher when booking the appointment.

EMERGENCY
In the case of emergencies please call the emergency line, open 24 hours, 7 days a week and an interpreter will be dispatched immediately.

Vancouver
Phone: 604-736-7039
TTY: 604-736-7078
Toll Free – Within BC
Phone: 1-877-736-7039
TTY: 1-877-736-7078

NON EMERGENCY

Vancouver
Phone: 604-736-7012
TTY: 604-736-7099
Videophone: 24.85.224.137
Email: mis@widhh.com Toll Free
Phone: 1-877-736-7012
TTY: 1-877-736-7099

GENERAL and EMERGENCY
Vancouver Island
Phone: 250-592-8144
TTY: 250-592-8147
Fax: 250-592-8199
Email: interpreting@idhhc.ca Toll Free
Phone: 1-800-667-5448
TTY: 1-877-667-5488