A new course for health and social care staff in Wales is being launched to help meet the needs of Welsh-speaking patients and develop the Welsh language skills of the workforce.

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles will officially launch Cwrs Croeso at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham today.

The new course has been developed specifically for health and social care staff by the National Centre for Learning Welsh. It will teach staff essential keywords and phrases they can use in their everyday conversations with Welsh-speaking patients and service users.

Courses will cover expressions of comfort, offering refreshments, or pronouncing Welsh names.

The move is part of meeting the ambition in Mwy na geiriau – the Welsh Government's Welsh language plan for health and social care. Mwy na geiriau is designed to support and develop the Welsh language skills of the current and future health and social care workforce, so the language is embedded in services across Wales.

All health and social care staff in Wales are expected to achieve a basic “courtesy” level of Welsh skills by 2027.

Cwrs Croeso also includes a digital resource which sets out reasons for using Welsh and an introduction to simple terms and vocabulary to be used with patients.

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said: "Mwy na geiriau – our Welsh language plan for health and social care – is about ensuring people who speak Welsh can access the care they need in the language they choose.

"Just a few words in Welsh can make a big difference when it comes to people's experiences.

"It's easier than ever for those new to Welsh to start learning the language thanks to the package of learning resources and I’m delighted Cwrs Croeso is part of that."

Dona Lewis, chief executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, added: "This new Cwrs Croeso, developed by the Centre’s language learning experts, will support health and care workers to use more Welsh with patients and carers.

"Additional tutor-led support will enable workers to strengthen their skills, with further learning options also available.

"We know that being able to provide services through the medium of Welsh can make a real difference to patients and their families, and we look forward to continuing to support the workforce in developing their language skills."