A new resource to support learners to communicate with patients in Welsh.
In 2011, Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol collaborated to create the app Gofalu Trwy'r Gymraeg . Since its update and expansion in 2018, it has become clear that healthcare workers can face challenges when trying to use digital devices in the delivery of care. Therefore, it was decided to develop a new version in the form of a pocket booklet with the aim of creating a practical, small resource that gives quick access to useful Welsh expressions.
The booklet was created by Swansea University staff with financial support for printing from the Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) organisation. The aim of the booklet is to support health care workers who are Welsh learners to communicate more confidently with patients across Wales, helping to provide a truly person-focused service for Welsh speakers.
Following an exciting development here at Swansea University this year, which enables Welsh medium students to follow Welsh-medium provision in the field of Occupational Therapy, the booklet includes a new section with subject specific vocabulary. A digital copy will also be available, and HEIW must be acknowledged and thanked for enabling the printing of the booklet.
The official launch of the booklet will be held on the GwyddonLe stage, at the Anglesey Urdd Eisteddfod on Monday, 25 May at 2pm. Members of the Mwy na Geiriau / More than just Words Advisory Board will be present; a committee created to realise the Welsh Government's five-year plan to embed the Welsh language in health and social care in order to offer the well-deserved care that patients in Wales need.
Dr Alwena Morgan is Associate Professor of Biomedicine as well as the Welsh Language Lead in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University. Dr Morgan, who is also a member of the 'Mwy an Geiriau / More than just Words' Advisory Board, said:
"We are very proud to celebrate the publication of the fourth volume of Gofalu trwy'r Gymraeg. Aimed specifically at learners, this compact resource, which literally fits in your pocket, complements the Gofalu trwy'r Gymraeg / Caring in Welsh app, developed at Swansea University. This latest volume is part of a series of resources that support the proactive offer and the Welsh Government's 'More than just Words' objectives and contribute to developing a bilingual health workforce for Wales. We would especially like to thank HEIW for their generous support in funding the printing of copies of the booklet, ensuring that the resource will be available to healthcare students across Wales."
