English-Language Services
Sur cette page :
- English-Language Access Program
- ALLO, do you speak English?
- Interpretation and Translation Services
- English-Speaking Community Partners
In Québec, French is the official language of public administration and is the normal language for delivering services in health and social services institutions. However, individuals who feel more comfortable in English may request to receive services in that language, in accordance with rights recognized by law.
This right is governed by the Act respecting the governance of the health and social services system (LGSSS – French only) as well as the Charter of the French Language (French only). These laws define the framework for offering services in English and regulate the use of French depending on the type of institution involved, while taking into account the human, material, and financial resources of institutions that provide these services.
Key Points
- French is the normal language of service delivery;
- English-speaking individuals and their representatives are entitled to services in English;
- No certificate or proof is required to receive care in English;
- Services are provided based on the availability of bilingual staff;
- In clinical situations, another language may be used when required for health reasons.
English-Language Access Program
As stated in the Act respecting health services and social services (LSSSS, section 348), we have implemented an English-language access program (2023–2026 – French Only) to ensure that English-speaking individuals can receive relevant services, as complete as possible, and close to their place of residence. This program includes, among other things, a list of services offered to the English-speaking population.
Several facilities in the Outaouais region have been designated bilingual, including:
| Pontiac Hospital and CHSLD | Otter Lake CLSC |
| Wakefield Memorial Hospital and CHSLD | Quyon CLSC |
| Chapeau CLSC |
|
| Shawville CLSC | Mansfield-et-Pontefract Residential Centre (CHSLD Manoir Sacré-Cœur) |
| Mansfield-et-Pontefract CLSC | Pontiac CHSLD (Centre d’accueil Pontiac) |
ALLO, Do You Speak English?
To quickly identify healthcare staff who can communicate in English, look for professionals wearing the yellow ALLO program ID badge.
Do you need assistance? Do not hesitate to ask these individuals for help. They can ensure that English-speaking users and their families are understood and can navigate our facilities effectively.
Interpretation and Translation Services for Health-Related Documents
Santé Québec Outaouais is committed to promoting clear and safe communication with users. Individuals who do not have sufficient proficiency in French may, when justified, request access to interpretation services to help them understand the information necessary for their care, safety, or informed decision-making regarding their health.
Emergency Room Consultations
The service is offered in person or remotely using an iPad available in every emergency room. Please ask on-site staff for assistance.
Scheduled Consultations
For appointments requiring an interpreter, the request must be made at least 48 hours before the service is needed. Do not hesitate to inform staff of your needs when booking your appointment.
In addition, certain essential documents related to a care episode or an official process may, in some circumstances and depending on available resources, be translated when justified. This may include consent forms, documents required to ensure understanding of a treatment or procedure, or certain official documents related to a clinical or psychosocial process.
Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure that translation and interpretation services are used to meet genuine needs related to health, user safety, or obtaining free and informed consent.
If you believe you require an interpreter or the translation of an important document for your care, please discuss this with the professional or team responsible for your care.
English-Speaking Community Partners
Updating the English-language access program relies in part on the development and maintenance of valuable collaborations with partners from the English-speaking community in Outaouais.