Welsh pocketbook for students will improve care services
A pocket-sized Welsh booklet for students at Swansea University’s College of Human and Health Sciences has been devised to improve the experience of patients and clients wishing to have their care delivered through the medium of Welsh.
Nursing, Paramedic Science, Osteopathy, Midwifery, Audiology, Clinical Physiology and Social Work students at the College will all receive the booklet upon their induction to their courses this year.
Entitled Gofalu Trwy’r Gymraeg - Caring Through Welsh - the 40 page booklet includes Welsh words and phrases to help students meet and understand their patient’s needs. It covers basic terms, such as the alphabet, introductions and numbers, as well as supplying students with specific terms for their branch of care.
Written by biomedical sciences tutor, Angharad Jones, with the support of a small committee of staff from the College of Human and Health Sciences, it is hoped that the booklet will allow students to offer a high quality service that meets the needs of the public.
Angharad said:“The booklet was funded by the University’s Use of Welsh Committee, in order to help students provide health care through the medium of Welsh.
“It will be a useful day-to-day guide for students, and will hopefully inspire them to improve the experience of those receiving health and social care in South Wales. We also hope to improve the confidence of those who provide care through the medium of Welsh.
“The aim of the College and the University is to prepare students to offer a high quality service that meets the needs of the public. Offering a bilingual service is an important part of this endeavour.
“We hope it will be of use to our students, their mentors and ultimately those clients and patients who prefer to have their care delivered through the medium of Welsh.”
The option of studying through the medium of Welsh at Swansea University is available for those who speak Welsh as a second language, as well as those students who attended Welsh medium schools. The College of Human and Health Sciences offers Welsh speaking personal tutors for students who would prefer to communicate through the medium of Welsh, as well as the opportunity to submit assignments and examinations in Welsh.
