The Montreal Children's Hospital believes all patients and families who come through our doors are entitled to equal care and service. The hospital created its Multiculturalism Program, the first of its kind in Canada, 20 years ago.

The program provides consultation and interpretation to members of Montreal's diverse ethnocultural communities, ensuring that children receive health care that is both culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate. Most families who use the services of the Multiculturalism Program are newcomers to Quebec and are in the process of adapting to the culture, language and even climate.

The program has a bank of interpreters who together speak more than 50 languages. They carry out approximately 7,000 interpretations each year for those who speak languages other than English and French. Families are very relieved when they find they can speak to someone in their mother tongue, especially when it concerns their child's health.

To arrange for an interpreter

Patients and their families can ask staff to arrange for an interpreter to attend an appointment.

When possible, please make the request for an interpreter at least 24 hours before your appointment.

For healthcare professionals

The Multiculturalism Program provides consultations to healthcare professionals on questions of cultural assessment, transcultural communication, ethnocultural health practices, working through interpreters, interracial relations and more. Consultations can also be arranged with appropriate resources to help healthcare providers understand cultural factors that may influence the care of, and communication with certain patients, families or groups.

The Multiculturalism Program has information about a number of ethnocultural community groups and organizes events with the community. It also recognizes holidays and special days celebrated by various communities who use the hospital.

The program organizes workshops and seminars open to hospital staff. It maintains a library with written and audiovisual materials on cultural histories, lifestyles, and approaches to health care, as well as issues related to cultural and racial diversity in the family and in the workplace.

Contact: Marie Serdynska, Program Coordinator
Telephone: 514-412-4400, ext. 23002

To arrange for an interpreter:
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Telephone: 514-412-4400, ext. 22351, or pager 514-406-1555
At all other times, call the Nursing Supervisor pager: 514-406-3244.

For information on education, development, and consultations:
Telephone: 514-412-4400, ext. 23002

For information on library services, community resources, and cultural holidays:
Telephone: 514-412-4400, ext. 23005

The National Transcultural Health Conference

Now available for download:
Recommendations from The National Transcultural Health Conference Round-Table discussions