Quality Care for All Patients

A Culturally Competent Care Environment

Sutter Health delivers personalized medical care to one of the most diverse populations in the United States. We believe that “cultural competence” means recognizing and respecting the individuality of patients and employees. We work to empower our employees to understand diverse cultural perspectives, traditions and practices – and to bridge any gaps of understanding that may exist.

To create a culturally competent care environment systemwide, we’re:

• Infusing criteria to develop attitudes, behaviors and polices that support inclusion by appreciating and valuing diversity
• Addressing health care disparities
• Enhancing provider/patient interaction
• Building community partnerships of trust
• Improving access to care for all we serve
• Fostering an inclusive work and care environment

Language Assistance

Approximately one third of Sutter Health network patients primarily speak a language other than English at home. An additional 15.8 percent are categorized as limited English proficient.

To support patients who speak little or no English, Sutter Health provides language assistance resources including translated documents, telephone interpreter services, and onsite bilingual staff. Our onsite interpreters must pass a language competency test to ensure they are competent in English and their second spoken language.

Diversity in Recruitment and Retention