Serving patients in the official language of their choice is a key component of providing exceptional care. The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is a bilingual institution, offering services in both French and English.
In 2011, the Heart Institute received its designation under the Province of Ontario's French Language Services Act, marking our commitment to offering services in both official languages. French Language Services (FLS) help the Institute deliver on this promise.
The Heart Institute provides a patient care environment which strives to minimize stress due to language barriers. It provides services in English and French and recognizes patients, their family members and the general public of either official language as having the same rights, status and privileges.
As such, patients, family members and the general public are entitled to receive administrative, nursing, professional, medical and support services in the official language of their choice. They are encouraged to communicate in their preferred official language with the Heart Institute staff.
Components of FLS
Translation: As a designated organization, all information intended for patients and the general public must be made available in both official languages. FLS provides French translation services for the Heart Institute.
French Language Training: To acquire, advance or refresh French language abilities, we offer French courses throughout the year. These classes are open to staff and the public. For more information, see French Language Training under Educational Programs.
French Language Committee: The committee is responsible for maintaining effective, and active French language health services and ensuring the continued availability, permanence and quality of these services.
Designation: The Heart Institute is proud to say that 97 percent of our services received designation.
Our team
- Karine Proulx, Director
- Judith Lachance, Manager
- Sophie Coupal, Translator
- Rajaa Boukhriss, Coordinator
- Shannon Barton, Administrative Support
- Soussan Jafari, Teacher