Leading with language: Briall's journey in shaping bilingual education and healthcare

Published 5 September 2025

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) is proud to celebrate Briall, a student nurse and the first student to submit a practice portfolio and Practice Assessment Document (PAD) entirely in Welsh, in Swansea University.

This milestone reflects Briall’s dedication to the Welsh language and sets a powerful example for future bilingual nursing students.

At HEIW, we’re committed to delivering high-quality education and training that supports excellent patient care. Inspired by Briall’s achievement, we’re working with universities and practice settings to increase opportunities for students to train as nurses through the medium of Welsh.

From the outset of her nurse training, Briall expressed her determination to complete the programme through the Welsh language wherever possible. A true example of dedication. As well as producing the academic work in Welsh, on placement, Briall communicates with children and families in Welsh. This helps build trust, provide reassurance, and ensures patients feel heard and understood in their first language, aligning to HEIW’s goal to support the delivery of quality patient care.

Using Welsh in healthcare settings improves safety, care outcomes and service efficiency. It reduces misunderstandings and supports clearer communication; this is especially important when patients are at their most vulnerable.

Training through the medium of Welsh also strengthens students’ communication and cultural competence, helping them deliver safer, more person-centred care.

Briall commented:

“By training and providing care in Welsh, I am in a better position to offer patient-centered care, ensuring that language is never a barrier to understanding, dignity or trust. Completing my nursing journey through the medium of the Welsh language has been a personal and professional achievement that reflects my commitment, and I am proud to continue my Welsh journey and remain committed to making a meaningful difference through culturally sensitive and inclusive care.”

Briall’s commitment is an inspiration to others and encourages more students to consider learning and working in Welsh, helping in the development of a bilingual nursing workforce in Wales.

Supporting Welsh Language in NHS Wales

HEIW works with Welsh Government and partners to embed the Welsh language across healthcare through several initiatives that promote the ‘Active Offer’, in line with Welsh Government’s ‘More Than Just Words’ strategy. This important work supports the national goal of delivering equitable, culturally sensitive care and helps patients feel welcome and secure when accessing services in their preferred language.

A Career in Nursing

Briall will soon be completing her three-year child field nursing degree and has secured a role as a staff nurse at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board – congratulations Briall!

HEIW commissions nurse training at:

• Aberystwyth University
• Bangor University
• Cardiff University
• Swansea University
• University of South Wales
• Wrexham University
• Open Universities

To find out more about nursing careers and funding options in Wales, visit the HEIW website. 

Did you know there are over 350 careers in NHS Wales? From hospital chefs to art therapists, there’s a role for everyone.