Interpreter Services

Nothing is more fundamental to safe, quality health care than effective communication between the caregiver and patient. Our Interpreter Services Department helps make vital communication possible.

If you will require interpreter services while an inpatient or during an outpatient procedure, please let us know as far ahead as possible. Often, we need to use freelance interpreters, and it takes more time for them to arrive.

You can request an interpreter by:

Telling the doctor referring you to Lawrence General so his/her office can call ahead to request one
Leaving a voicemail at 978-683-4000, ext. 2676
E-mailing us by clicking here

When you request an interpreter ahead of time, we will need to know:

Your name
Your preferred language
Date of admission to the Hospital or Operating Room
Date and time of outpatient appointment and where it will be
Your E-mail address or phone number and the best time to reach you

Our Office of Interpreter Services works with the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to provide sign language interpreters for patients.

Lawrence General Hospital now offers Sorenson Video Relay Service® for its deaf and hard-of-hearing patients, their families and the surrounding deaf community at no cost. The video phone is located in the Hospital's Emergency Center and allows patients to call hearing individuals and communicate in real time using ASL. This service makes it easy and convenient for deaf individuals to communicate with those around them, just as a hearing patient would.

For more information, please contact the Office of Interpreter Services at 978-683-4000, ext. 2676.