A new course for nurses and other NHS staff has been launched in order to help meet a national target to boost the Welsh language skills of the health and social care workforce.
The course, announced by the Welsh Government, has been developed by the National Centre for Learning Welsh specifically with health and social care staff in mind.
“Just a few words in Welsh can make a big difference when it comes to people’s experiences”
Jeremy Miles
According to the government, it will introduce essential keywords and phrases staff can use in their everyday conversations with Welsh-speaking patients and service users.
This includes expressions of comfort, offering refreshments, or pronouncing Welsh names – all of which can significantly enhance a person’s experience of care, noted the government.
The launch of the course forms key part of meeting the ambition in Mwy na geiriau – the government’s Welsh language rollout plan for health and social care.
Mwy na geiriau – More than just words – is intended to support and develop the Welsh language skills of the current and future health and social care workforce, so the language is embedded in services.
Under Mwy na geiriau, all health and social care staff in Wales are expected to achieve a basic “courtesy” level of Welsh skills by 2027.
Speaking today at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham, health secretary for Wales Jeremy miles said health and social care staff did not need to be fluent in Welsh to make a meaningful difference.
He said: “Mwy na geiriau – our Welsh language plan for health and social care – is about ensuring people who speak Welsh can access the care they need in the language they choose.
“Just a few words in Welsh can make a big difference when it comes to people’s experiences,” said Mr Miles. “It’s easier than ever for those new to Welsh to start learning the language.”
The course includes a digital resource setting out reasons for using Welsh and an introduction to simple terms and vocabulary. A team of tutors are also available to provide workshops for beginners.
The course is part of a wide-ranging programme of Welsh language training for the health and social care sector, led by the National Centre for Learning Welsh.
Dona Lewis, chief executive of the centre, said the course, developed by language learning experts, would support health and care workers to use more Welsh with patients and carers.
“Additional tutor-led support will enable workers to strengthen their skills, with further learning options also available,” she noted.
She added: “We know that being able to provide services through the medium of Welsh can make a real difference to patients and their families.”
