In a city where more than 45 percent of the people are recorded as speaking a second language at home, the issue of translation services becomes increasingly crucial each day.

Yesterday, after one-and-a-half-years of negotiations, meetings and testimonials, community organizations and the Brooklyn Hospital signed an historic agreement with the aim of providing non-English-speaking patients with translation services.

The efforts of organizations like Make the Road by Walking, New York Lawyers for Public Interest (NYLPI) and the Fort Greene Strategic Society culminated in the signing of this agreement, which took place in a ceremony led by hospital director Sam Lehrfeld and community members.

“One year ago, we had the opportunity to hear many unsettling testimonials. And for this reason we are signing this document – because we’re committed to our community,” said Lehrfeld before an audience largely composed of Hispanics.

Lehrfeld recalled that although his administration is relatively new, the institution’s philosophy is to provide egalitarian healthcare for everybody, regardless of “if they speak English or not.”

At its core, the aforementioned document attempts to make Spanish-speaking interpreters available around the clock. Additionally, it will require the translation of hospital documents and signage into Spanish, Creole, Polish and Chinese. Similar services will be available for the hearing impaired and those who suffer from auditory disorders.

“Today is a great day not just because thousands of people will benefit from this agreement, but because it demonstrates what type of changes an organized community can actually make,” said Andrew Friedman, director of Make the Road by Walking.

In total, three Brooklyn hospitals have signed on to the agreement. The other two hospitals are Wyckoff Hospital and Woodhull Center.

“There are 60 other hospitals that have to implement or improve their translation services. The battle has only just begun,” concluded Eddie Bautista, an organizer for NYLPI.

The agreement’s fundamental tenets are as follows:

1. Patients will be informed of their rights to bilingual services.

2. The hospital will contract with more bilingual personnel.

3. There will be at least one interpreter for each department. A bilingual receptionist and a language coordinator will also be hired.

4. Patients staying at the hospital who don’t speak English will be clearly identified, as well as their medical records.

5. Maps, doctor visits, instructions and informational flyers will be available in several languages.