Interpreters and services for the hearing impaired

Breaking down language barriers for patients

When there’s a medical emergency, communication is crucial. But what if you're surrounded by hospital health professionals who are trying to help you get well, and they can’t understand what you’re saying?

For people who don't speak English, are deaf or hard of hearing, this can be a reality. Owatonna Hospital offers a specialized, user-friendly solution to ensure all of its patients can be understood.

MARTTI (My Accessible Real-Time Trusted Interpreter). MARTTI connects patients who can't communicate with an interpreter who can. MARTTI is a portable, wireless computer that connects to an interpreter who speaks one of 170 different languages, as well as American Sign Language. Using a two-way video system, a patient at Owatonna Hospital can communicate with an operator just by pushing a button. The operator connects the patient with an interpreter who speaks his or her language. The interpreter provides information to the medical staff at the hospital so the patient can receive the necessary care and support.

MARTTI is fast, safe and secure, thanks to the fiber-optic network that carries the signals, so patient privacy is protected. The service is compliant with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), the law that protects patients' health-related information.

Interpreter services

You have a right to a medical interpreter at no cost to you. Please let the nurse know if you would like to have an interpreter available during your visit.

Usted tiene derecho a un interprete medico gratis. Comuniquele a su enfermera si a Ud, le gustaria tener a la interprete disponible durante su consulta medica.

Hearing impaired services

A telecommunications device is available to help hearing impaired patients or patients who want to communicate with a hearing impaired relative or friend.

In addition, we can arrange for a sign language interpreter to help a patient who is a deaf or hearing impaired, communicate.