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San Antonio Healthcare System Facilities Become the First and Only Hospitals in the United States to Receive Hispanic Healthcare Designation

Posted on: Friday, 3 August 2007, 15:17 CDT

The Diversity Health Care Program of Mexico today accredited Methodist Healthcare facilities as Hispanic Healthcare Hospitals, making them the first and only hospitals in the United States to receive this distinction.

The accreditation recognizes the efforts of Methodist Healthcare to make health care accessible to international and Spanish-speaking patients by removing cultural barriers. Dr. Enrique Ruelas Barajas, secretary of the Counsel on General Health Care in Mexico, announced the designation in ceremonies attended by area business and community leaders.

"Designation as Hispanic Healthcare Hospitals means that Methodist Healthcare is poised to better meet the needs of our local and regional Hispanic population and to enhance the service level for our growing international patient population," said Jaime Wesolowski, president and CEO, Methodist Healthcare. "Our goal is to proactively ensure continuous improvement in the delivery of quality, affordable, accessible health care to this patient base."

A pioneer in the development of health care services for international patients, Methodist Healthcare is the only health care system in the region with a dedicated International Services department to assist patients, physicians and staff. Methodist Healthcare has offered international services for more than 14 years, and last year assisted more than 1,000 international patients.

As the area's largest and most preferred health care provider, Methodist Healthcare serves San Antonio and 26 surrounding counties in Central and South Texas, as well as an increasing number of international patients. With its geographic proximity to Mexico and its role as a regional referral center for hospitals throughout South Central Texas, Methodist Healthcare serves the needs of a large Hispanic population.

Diversity certification focuses on improving patient access in a multi-cultural society while eliminating potential language and cultural barriers. To receive the designation, Methodist Healthcare has made a commitment to several components, including the upgrading of signage in Spanish and international symbols, patient access to interpretation services, and continued availability of International Services staff to assist other staff, physicians and patients. In addition, hospital materials in Spanish will be more widespread, including legal documents, consent forms, patient rights materials, discharge instructions, patient education brochures, and waiting area publications.

For more information visit, www.SAHealth.com.

Source: Business Wire

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