A SUCCESSFUL language choice scheme which allows patients to be identified as Welsh speakers has improved patient care at a Porthmadog hospital.

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 our 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.

Clinical practitioner, 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 a year 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 and we would like to thank the Welsh language team for their support in this.”

Eirlys Margaret Stumpp, from Harlech, benefitted from the new scheme during her time on Morfa Ward.

She said: “I grew up speaking Welsh and English at home but my first language is Welsh and I think it’s important to have the choice of speaking the language you prefer.

“During my stay at Ysbyty Alltwen I opted in for the language choice scheme and the staff placed the magnetic ‘Cymraeg’ sticker above me so they knew I preferred to speak in Welsh.

“It’s a great idea and it allows the staff to communicate better with those patients who prefer to speak in Welsh which helps provides even better care.”

Sioned Roberts, a translator for the BCUHB Welsh Language Service said she was delighted with the response to the scheme at Ysbyty Alltwen.

“We are thrilled the hospital has welcomed the scheme and that it’s proven so popular with patients and staff since it has been introduced.

“The staff have been brilliant with supporting the scheme which has made it a very easy process for us.

“The language choice scheme is an excellent way of implementing the active offer, meaning that we offer patients Welsh Language services without them having to ask for it.

“We are currently rolling out the scheme across other community hospitals and acute sites within the health board.”