The power of language in a bilingual community

The 1993 Welsh Language Act called for the use of the Welsh language in public services. More than 20% of the population in Wales speak Welsh and there is an expansion in the use of Welsh in the health service. This has had an impact on nursing services in Wales, as more health professionals need to be bilingual. A poll showed that more than two thirds of Welsh people wanted to be treated by health professionals who had a knowledge of Welsh. This will have implications for nurse training, in recruitment and in nurse education.