Health care staff in Carmarthenshire were embracing the Welsh language yesterday (Wednesday, October 15) by starting their conversations with a Shwmae or Su’mae.

Hywel Dda University Health Board encouraged staff to join the national campaign Diwrnod Shwmae Su’mae, providing an opportunity for people learning Welsh to use the language.

Chris Wright, director of corporate services for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “We want all our staff to embrace the Welsh language as much as their ability allows – whether it be have a conversation with a patient or colleague in Welsh or simply using small phrases or greetings.

“For many of our patients, Welsh is their first language and being able to speak in their mother tongue can provide a better patient experience.”

Diwrnod Shwmae Su’mae is organised by Mudiadau Dathlu’r Gymraeg to reinforce the wide support that there is for the Welsh language in today’s Wales and to celebrate the numerous ways we greet each other in Welsh at work or within our communities.

Margaret Rees Hughes, independent member on the board, said: “The Welsh language is the common heritage of everyone who has chosen to make Wales their home, and we have the power to keep the language alive.

“We can all be a part of the journey from the moment we use Shwmae or Su’mae at the beginning of a conversation and even if we only have a few phrases, by using our Welsh we can help to make service users more comfortable and at ease in unfamiliar surroundings.”