Language barriers plague hospitals

Many hospital patients who have a limited ability to speak English and who need a translator don’t get one, which puts them at risk for poor and sometimes life-threatening medical care. From 1990 to 2000, the number of residents with limited English proficiency grew by 7 million, to 21 million, or 8.1% of the population. Yet, one study showed that no interpreter was used in 46% of emergency department cases involving such patients.

[Read](http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-07-20-hospital-language_x.htm?csp=34) (USA Today)