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WELSH LANGUAGE STATEMENT

Darlington Opticians Merthyr Tydfil & Tredegar

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Our Commitment to the Welsh Language

Darlington Opticians recognises the official status of Welsh in Wales and is committed to treating Welsh no less favourably than English, in line with the principles of the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 and the Welsh-language duties that apply to independent primary care contractors under NHS Wales arrangements.

None of our current staff speaks Welsh. We will be open about this limitation while taking reasonable steps to support Welsh-speaking patients, record their language preference, and provide Welsh-language information or communication support where available.

Using Welsh at Our Practice

Patients are welcome to tell us that they prefer to use Welsh when:

  • Booking appointments

  • Speaking with staff

  • Asking questions

  • Completing forms

  • Receiving care or advice

  • Raising concerns or providing feedback

As we cannot currently provide a consultation or telephone conversation directly in Welsh, please tell us as early as possible if you would like Welsh-language support. We will record your preference and, where reasonably available, arrange suitable translation or interpreting support or provide written information in Welsh. Any arrangement will depend on availability and may require additional time.

Welsh Language Services We Provide

We aim to provide:

  • A clear, courteous welcome, with staff able to explain that no Welsh-speaking team member is currently available

  • Bilingual signage for new signs and notices, and additional bilingual signage where practicable

  • Welsh versions of documents and forms supplied by the local health board

  • Bilingual practice information, appointment reminders and patient forms where suitable translated versions and system support are available

  • Welsh-language versions of key information and policies on our website where available

  • Recording each patient’s preferred language

  • Translation or interpreting support for Welsh-language communication where reasonably available and arranged in advance

If you would prefer to communicate or receive information in Welsh, please tell us when booking so that we can discuss and, where possible, arrange suitable support. We cannot guarantee that a Welsh-speaking clinician or staff member will be available.

Website and Digital Services

We aim to ensure that:

  • Key website pages are available in Welsh

  • Important patient information is provided bilingually

  • Welsh‑language accessibility is considered in all updates

  • Online forms and contact options support Welsh where possible

If you notice any part of our website that would benefit from a Welsh‑language version, please let us know.

Printed and Written Information

We will provide Welsh versions of the following where they are supplied to us, already available, or can reasonably be translated:

  • Practice information

  • Patient leaflets

  • Complaints information

  • Policy summaries

  • Appointment letters (where system‑supported)

Please allow additional time where a translation must be arranged. For urgent clinical or safety information, we will use the clearest safe method of communication available while seeking any appropriate language support.

Staff and Training

We support our team to:

  • Explain clearly and respectfully that no current staff member speaks Welsh

  • Identify and record when a patient prefers Welsh

  • Use basic Welsh greetings and phrases where staff feel able to do so

  • Access Welsh-language awareness and learning opportunities provided or promoted by the local health board

  • Use approved bilingual materials and know how to seek translation or interpreting support

We welcome applications from Welsh-speaking candidates and will review opportunities to improve our Welsh-language capacity. Staff who are learning Welsh will be encouraged to identify this appropriately, without giving the impression that they can provide a fluent Welsh-language service.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement

We welcome feedback on how we can improve our Welsh‑language services.

Email: paul@darlingtonopticians.co.uk  Telephone: 01685 723785  In person: Speak to any member of our team at Merthyr Tydfil or Tredegar

We aim to respond to Welsh‑language queries within 5 working days.

Future Development

We are committed to:

  • Increasing bilingual content across our website

  • Expanding Welsh‑language printed materials

  • Improving Welsh‑language signage

  • Supporting staff to develop Welsh‑language skills

  • Ensuring WGOS and NHS Wales information is available bilingually

This statement will be reviewed annually or sooner if our services change.

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