University of Virginia Health System

U.VA. HEALTH SYSTEM CLINIC EXPANDS CARE FOR SPANISH SPEAKING WOMEN

Pregnancy is worrisome enough, but when a woman faces language barriers, it's even harder to communicate when something is wrong. That's why The Women's Place at the University of Virginia Health System is expanding La Clinica, a women's health clinic for Spanish-speaking patients.

La Clinica opened July 2000, and is staffed with Spanish-speaking clinicians and social workers who provide general obstetrics and routine gynecological care. Beginning this month, La Clinica will expand its services to every Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. instead of its usual half-day per week.

La Clinica began with a few enthusiastic residents--two of whom were bilingual. Within a year, we went from seeing eight women per week to as many as 30 women per week, said Jeanne Duffer, patient care services manager for The Women's Place. We knew that a half day, rotating week to week, was not good enough, so we decided to expand.

Handling sensitive cultural and language needs was sometimes difficult for both the Spanish-speaking patients and the clinician, said Robyn Duran, nurse practitioner for La Clinica. We want to make their experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.

United States 2000 Census figures show that Hispanics now comprise 5 percent of Virginia's population, with 1,102 Hispanic individuals residing in Charlottesville alone. Additional Spanish-speaking residents in surrounding counties, as well as patients from the Culpeper and Manassas area, are seeking help at La Clinica, Duffer said.

Patients can make appointments by calling (804) 924-1669. They will hear a recording in English and in Spanish instructing them on how to make an appointment. The services offered on a sliding payment scale and Medicaid is available to those who qualify.

June 5, 2001