Highlands language training targets Polish health workers

Janette McQuiston, UNISON lifelong learning worker, reports on her work at Raigmore Hospital

In the Highlands we have significant numbers of East European workers, and I decided to instigate a project to raise awareness of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses.

One of these sessions was rolled out in Inverness' Raigmore Hospital, during a two hour period at lunchtime. There was a lot of interest and by two o'clock I had nine staff signed up for one of these courses. The staff are from various departments - Healthcare Assistants, Domestic Assistants and Catering Staff.

It is very important that they are offered the opportunity to improve their understanding of English especially in the Health Service where they have to understand Food Regulations and Health & Safety Regulations.

One of the reasons for this success was that the posters advertising the session were in Polish, not only showing UNISON's commitment to helping them, but because they were in Polish they stood out. It is very easy just to walk past posters in English especially if you have difficulty understanding them.

There will undoubtedly be some problems for some students in gaining time away from their work, but because we have a Learning Agreement with NHS Highland, this will help negotiations for the time off to undertake these classes as they are pertinent to their work.

It is important that this group of staff are given encouragement in all their workplaces. These courses not only help them in their work but also in the wider community.

As I said this is the NHS. My next step is to raise awareness in other workplaces eg. Highland Council.

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