Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Clínica de Cirugía Pediátrica: Bridging the Language Gap for Spanish-Speaking Families in Healthcare

Children’s Hospital Colorado Opens First Spanish-Speaking Pediatric Surgery Clinic in the Rocky Mountain Region

Navigating the healthcare system can be challenging, especially for Spanish-speaking families. Children’s Hospital Colorado has recognized this need and has opened the Clínica de Cirugía Pediátrica, a Pediatric Surgery Clinic specifically designed for families and patients who speak little to no English.

With over 22% of Colorado’s population identifying as Hispanic or Latinx, and nearly 30% in Denver alone, the clinic aims to provide surgical expertise, consultations, and medical guidance in Spanish. Dr. Jose Diaz-Mirón, who started the clinic in 2021, saw the need for a Spanish-speaking clinic and has since expanded its services due to increased demand.

For families like Oscar Perez, who struggled to understand his son’s health issues until they were referred to the clinic, having a Spanish-speaking doctor made all the difference. Perez expressed relief in being able to communicate directly with the doctor without the need for translation, ensuring that he could fully understand his son’s medical needs.

The clinic’s impact goes beyond just providing medical care; it alleviates stress for parents like Perez and ensures that families with limited English skills can navigate complex medical issues effectively. By offering a direct line of communication in their native language, the clinic is bridging the gap in healthcare access for the Hispanic and Latinx community in Colorado.

As the Hispanic and Latinx population continues to grow in Colorado, initiatives like the Clínica de Cirugía Pediátrica are essential in providing equitable healthcare for all. Through dedicated efforts like Dr. Diaz-Mirón’s, families can receive the care they need without language barriers hindering their access to quality medical services.