Patient Experience and Perception of First Language Usage in Healthcare: The Welsh Perspective

Research shows that using a patient's preferred language is vital for effective healthcare communication. Consultations in a second language can lead to treatment delays and misdiagnoses. In Wales, while Welsh and English have equal status in the public sector, independent primary care providers like General Practices (GPs) are not fully bound by Welsh Language Standards (WLS), resulting in inconsistent bilingual provision. This mixed methods study combined focus groups and a survey of 361 Welsh speakers to explore awareness of WLS and experiences of bilingual GP care. Analysis revealed low awareness (27%) of the WLS and significant unmet language needs. 71% had never been offered a Welsh-language consultation and 57% with English-speaking GPs said they would feel more comfortable having Welsh-medium consultations. In high Welsh-speaking areas, 32% felt restricted by not being able to use their first language during GP appointments. There was strong support for recording language preference in health records. Findings highlight both the need and desire for Welsh-language provision in primary care, and the importance of policy changes to support an “active offer” approach.