Cynllun Dewis Iaith | Language Choice Scheme
Meilyr Emrys, Welsh Language Officer, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Introduction
It was proving impossible for staff to know a patients' preferred language which often caused confusion, especially among occasional clinical ward visitors like physiotherapists or pharmacists. This led to unintended use of English, contrary to the 'proactive offer' principle. To address this, we introduced orange magnets to identify Welsh-speaking patients and staff, enhancing communication and respecting language preferences.
Methods
Implementing the Dewis Iaith Scheme is simple. With patient consent, an orange magnet is placed on the whiteboard next to their bed to indicate a preference for communicating in Welsh. Staff boards also display orange magnets to show which members can speak Welsh, ensuring staff are aware of and can meet patients' linguistic needs. This information helps in planning and providing bilingual services. A 'Monthly Audit Form' helps record data on patient and staff language preferences, and Ward Managers are encouraged to collect and record this information monthly.
The Dewis Iaith Scheme, prioritizing Welsh-medium services for dementia patients, was first trialed on Ward Glaslyn at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor. Following its success and positive feedback, it expanded to Prysor Ward for stroke patients and then to other wards across north Wales, including community hospitals and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. By the end of 2019, the scheme was implemented on all Health Board clinical sites, including Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
Outcomes
- Positive feedback from patients and families about the Dewis Iaith Scheme at Ysbyty Gwynedd.
- A patient's relative noted using Welsh increased comfort and better understanding of care questions.
- Staff, including non-Welsh speakers, appreciated the scheme, with learners gaining confidence to use their Welsh skills.
- The scheme encouraged more staff to learn or improve their Welsh language abilities.
Learnings
- The scheme has enabled bilingual services on wards across north Wales.
- The scheme boosted staff confidence in using Welsh and inspired some to learn or improve their Welsh skills.
- It is a simple, adaptable plan, suitable for formal or informal implementation, and can be emulated by other health and care organisations.
- Positive reception of a presentation on the scheme at a national network meeting led to interest from other health boards in Wales.
What next?
- Formalise the scheme with Monthly Inspection Forms to track the use of orange magnets.
- Initial discussions are underway to link the Dewis Iaith Scheme with the BCUHB Ward Accreditation Scheme, assessing ward service quality.
- Efforts are ongoing to raise staff awareness about these improvements.
