The right to receive services in English
In terms of health, the law gives you certain rights, including the right to be served in English, within certain limits.
Filing a complaint:
constructive action to highlight
a problematic situation
While you have the right to ask for the services to be offered in English, not all establishments have the obligation to do so.
Only establishments designated by the government are required to offer all of their services in English and French. In Laval, there is only one and that is the Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital.
In all other Laval establishments, even if a lot of effort is made, only certain services are accessible in English, according to the program for access to services in English. The same applies for obtaining documents, including your medical records, in English.
Examples
Jeanne wishes to receive a copy of her medical file in English
She filled out the form to get a copy of her medical records. However, the copy of her file was entirely in French. Jeanne wanted to have a copy in English, which was not possible.
She then learns that the translation service for medical documents from French to English is not a legal obligation and is not offered in all health establishments. The copy of Jeanne's medical file could therefore not be given to her in English.
Ms. Taylor is English-speaking. She needs the care of a nephrologist.
She encounters several difficulties understanding and following medical directives because the information is mainly given in French. Fortunately, the nephrology department she attends is covered by the English-language services access program and Ms. Taylor will be able to have an attending physician who will communicate with her in English. In addition, a note has been added to her file indicating that she wishes her medical consultations to be in English.
Do not hesitate to ask to receive services in English if that is your preference since if the resource is available, it is your right.
useful links
Prévention suicide:
Ligne d’intervention auprès des personnes suicidaires ou de leurs proches.
SOS Violence conjugale: 1 800 363-9010
Service d’accueil, d’évaluation, d’information, de sensibilisation, de soutien et de référence aux victimes de violence conjugale et leurs proches.
Commission d’accès à l’information du Québec : 1 888 528-7741
Les demandes d’accès au dossier médical ne font pas partie du mandat du CAAP – Laval.
Commission des droits de la personne: 1 800 361-6477
Si vous êtes victime d’exploitation ou si vous croyez qu’un proche en subit.
Le Barreau du Québec
Ligne agression sexuelle: 1 888 933-9007
Ligne d’écoute, d’information et de référence destinée aux victimes d’agression sexuelle et leurs proches.
DIRA Laval: 450 681-8813
Service d’accueil et d’accompagnement pour les personnes de 50 ans et plus victimes d’abus, de violence ou de négligence.
Ligne Aide Abus Aînés: 1 888 489-2287
Ligne d’aide destinée aux aînés qui subissent des abus ou à leurs proches.