A Porthmadog hospital team has received a top health award for embracing a language choice scheme which has improved patient care for Welsh speakers.

The awards, sponsored by Centerprise International, celebrate the outstanding achievements of NHS staff from across north Wales.

Ysbyty Alltwen’s Morfa Ward scooped the Welsh Language Award at this year’s Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board’s Staff Achievement Awards.

Last year, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s Welsh Language Team developed a scheme where patients are asked whether they want to be identified as Welsh speakers.

If yes, a ‘Welsh speaking’ magnet is placed above a patient’s bed to ensure that staff are aware that these patients prefer to receive their services and care in Welsh.

The scheme in particular benefits patients living with dementia and has been highlighted as part of the Welsh Government’s Framework ‘More than just Words’ for improving Welsh Language Services in health, social services and social care.

Ward manager Emma Owen said the scheme has proven extremely popular with patients and their families.

She said: “The language choice scheme was introduced at Ysbyty Alltwen almost two years ago and the staff, patients and their families have welcomed this in the hospital.

“Research has shown that communicating in Welsh is particularly important for vulnerable individuals whose first language is Welsh, such as patients living with dementia who have been admitted to us in hospital.

“The language choice scheme has allowed us to identify those who wish to be communicated with in their preferred language and it has greatly improved our patient care.

“We have extended this to include the language in many of our activities on the ward and have a number of jigsaws and films which are in Welsh that our patients can enjoy.

“As we are based in an area which has a large population of Welsh speakers the scheme has been truly beneficial. We are delighted to win this award and we would like to thank the Welsh Language Team for their support with the scheme.”

Nick Napier-Andrews, head of client solutions for ID Medical who sponsored the Welsh Language Award, said: “The work of the team at Ysbyty Alltwen is an outstanding example of how embracing the Welsh language can provide real benefits for patients.

“The work of all three nominees for this award were a clear example of how important communication is to improving the way healthcare is locally provided.”

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