Welsh language initiative will help to ensure that patients receive 'safe and responsive' services
Physiotherapist Nesta McCluskey has welcomed an initiative that will see Wrexham University students on allied health professions (AHP) courses undertaking Welsh language work-based learning modules.
The new modules were officially launched at the National Eisteddfod, which runs from 3-10 August at Rhondda Cynon Taf. Developed in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the modules will enable students to communicate with patients in their first language while on placement.
As well as physiotherapy students, those studying nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy, operating department practice, paramedic science and speech and language therapy will be able to communicate with, and support, patients and colleagues through the medium of Welsh, while they were on placement.
As they follow the modules, students will be supported by practice educators through the medium of Welsh. The modules will start to be delivered from October onwards.
As a health board, we have a clear vision that everyone who comes into contact with our services should be treated with respect and dignity, and receive a safe and responsive service that is accessible in their language of choice [Nesta McCluskey
Nesta McCluskey, clinical director of AHPs at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: ‘We are pleased to be working with the university to provide Welsh language work-based learning modules to allied health degree students, who are the future healthcare professionals of Wales.'
She added: ‘As a health board, we have a clear vision that everyone who comes into contact with our services should be treated with respect and dignity, and receive a safe and responsive service that is accessible in their language of choice, which is why we are pleased to be working alongside the university to provide these modules to allied health students.’
Pride in National Eisteddfod launch
Elen Mai Nefydd, Wrexham University’s head of Welsh medium academic development, said the university was ‘extremely proud’ to have launched the learning modules at the National Eisteddfod.
She added: ‘As an institution, we are thrilled to be working alongside and responding to the needs of our local health board. The addition of the Welsh medium work-based learning modules are not only beneficial for our students’ development but also for patients in north Wales, whose first language is Welsh.
‘Feedback from patients is that being able to communicate with healthcare professionals in their first language makes a huge difference to their overall experience.’
The photograph shows Wrexham University and Cadwaladr University Health Board colleagues at the Eisteddfod.
The National Eisteddfod is a celebration of Welsh culture and the Welsh language that is held annually during the first week of August. The festival is based in north and south Wales on alternate years, attracting up to 170,000 visitors and more than 200 stalls.
Author: Ian McMillan
Share it with
