Welsh Language Support

The Welsh language is an integral part of the culture and identity of North Wales, and for many patients it is the language in which they feel most comfortable discussing their health and care needs. Providing Welsh language services in primary care helps ensure patients can communicate effectively, make informed decisions, and receive care that is safe, person-centred and respectful of their language preference.

Welsh language duties: independent primary care providers

Since 30 May 2019, six Welsh language duties have been placed on independent primary care contractors.

For any services provided under the contract, providers must:

• Notify the local health board if they provide services through the medium of Welsh.
• Provide Welsh language versions of all documents or forms provided to them by the local health board.
• Ensure that any new sign or notice provided is bilingual. All Primary Care Contractors can use the Health Board's Translation Services for any new signs or notices displayed within the practice.
• Encourage staff who can speak Welsh, or who are learning Welsh, to wear a badge or lanyard to indicate their language skills when providing services in Welsh.
• Establish and record the language preference of patients.
• Encourage and assist staff to utilise information and/or attend training courses or events provided by the local health board.

Below is information on how the Welsh Language Team at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) can support you in meeting these duties and ensuring that Welsh language services are embedded within your practice.

Follow the link to read this information on the Welsh Government website: Welsh language in primary care | GOV.WALES

The Health Board offers a variety of courses, to encourage and support the use of Welsh in the workplace.

For more information or to discuss options please contact the team - BCU.WelshLanguageTutor@wales.nhs.uk

2. Translation Services

Contractors also need to make Welsh versions of all forms and documents issued by the Health Board accessible to the public.  If you need support in sourcing Welsh language versions, contact the team by emailing BCU.WelshLanguageServices@wales.nhs.uk.

3. Welsh Language Awareness

The Health Board offers Welsh Language Awareness sessions over Teams or face to face to help staff understand the importance of providing bilingual services and supporting patients, service users and colleagues to use Welsh. We can also come and speak directly to teams about the Welsh language and its role in improving experiences and outcomes. To book a session, please email BCU.WelshLanguageServices@wales.nhs.uk

4. Welsh Language Resources

There are a variety of resources available to help and support staff across the Health Board, including:

• Lanyards to indicate whether you are a Welsh speaker or a Welsh learner.
• Pin badges displaying ‘Cymraeg’ (Welsh speaker) or ‘Dwi’n Dysgu Cymraeg’ (I’m learning Welsh).
• Orange ‘Cymraeg’ magnets for display in offices, clinics or consultation rooms to highlight the presence of Welsh speakers.
• ‘Use Your Welsh’ bilingual phrase cards featuring everyday phrases such as ‘Good morning’ and ‘Good afternoon’.
• ‘Use Your Welsh’ desktop sign  to display in reception areas noting a Welsh service is available.
• ‘Use Your Welsh in the Pharmacy’ cards to support communication with patients, including common medication instructions.
• Basic phrases keyrings covering greetings, parts of the body and telling the time, each with a QR code linking to pronunciation guidance.

These resources help create a more welcoming bilingual environment and encourage the active use of Welsh in the workplace and when providing services.