Medical Secretary's efforts to support Welsh-speaking patients wins Health Board award
A Glan Clwyd Hospital medical secretary has been recognised for her efforts to support Welsh speaking patients.
Susan Warner, a medical secretary for CMATS (Clinical musculoskeletal assessment treatment service), was celebrated by her colleagues for her work to make sure Welsh speaking patients access services in their preferred languages.
Her efforts saw her win the Welsh Language Award, sponsored by Griffiths, at the Health Board’s annual Achievement Awards.
The Achievement Awards, sponsored by Centerprise International, celebrate the outstanding achievements of NHS staff from across North Wales.
Susan was nominated for the award by her colleague Sophie Hensey, who said her efforts helped put patients at ease when visiting Glan Clwyd for treatment.
Sophie said: “Sue is a real advocate for the Welsh Language.
“We have a lot of elderly patients who are first-language Welsh speakers, who feel reassured when we can speak to them in their preferred language.
“It helps ease their mind and be more confident when coming to us.
“Sue’s always been conscientious with keeping the Welsh language award, whether in person or on the phone, during her 20 years working for the NHS in North Wales.”
Nick Cleary, Operations Director for Griffiths, said: “We were delighted to show our support for an award which celebrates the efforts of NHS staff to support the Welsh Language in North Wales.
“Sue’s everyday efforts to ensure patients in North Wales are able to access healthcare in their preferred language were well worth celebrating. Congratulations Sue.”
Fellow nominees Paula Smith, Head of Services for Managed Practices, and Jan Garnett, Head of Nursing for Surgery at Glan Clwyd Hospital, were also highly commended at the awards.
They were respectively recognised for their work to support managed GP practices with providing care to Welsh-speaking patients in Wrexham, and for introducing the Welsh Language Choice scheme at Glan Clwyd Hospital.
Jeremy Nash, Chief Executive of Centerprise International, said: “It was a privilege to be the headline sponsor at the Health Board’s Achievement Awards for the third year running.
“The Awards served as an excellent opportunity to recognise all of the amazing people working within the NHS across North Wales.
“Centerprise is committed to supporting the Welsh community and NHS in equal measure. We were delighted to be represented at the Awards, which was a wonderful celebration of the incredible efforts of the Health Board and its committed staff.”