NHS Highland criticised for investing in Gaelic rebrand
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The NHS Highland Gaelic Language Plan for 2023 to 2028 has drawn criticism from the public including NHS staff and native Gaelic speakers saying money would be better spent elsewhere.
Under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, NHS Highland has a statutory duty to play its part in promoting the language.
The plan sets out a formal structure for how the board will implement the plan and was informed by a staff survey and support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig – read more at: www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/about/publications-and-public-records/gaelic-plan/
Sarah Compton-Bishop, NHS Highland’s chair, said: “We are delighted to launch the third edition of our Gaelic Language Plan. It is vital we raise awareness for the Gaelic language as it is an intrinsic part of the rich culture of the Scottish Highlands.
“As the biggest employer in Highland, Argyll and Bute there are many opportunities and benefits to promoting the Gaelic language across our area. The plan will enhance patient experience for our Gaelic speakers across NHS Highland, as well as the patients we serve from the Western Isles.”
However, when the news was shared on social media by NHS Highland the majority of comments were strongly opposed to the initiative including Gaelic speaking NHS employees.
Mary Chisolm wrote: "I Hate to be a Negative Nancy. I am a Gaelic speaker, I love the language and the culture, there is much to be learnt from it….BUT…I am also a nurse and I think that NHS Highland's monies could be spent in much much much better ways!" Several others agreed with her sentiments including NHS Highland staff.
Facebook user Nancyy Mac wrote: "As a nurse and native Gaelic speaker NHS Highland could spend the money in much better way. We have a massive deficit and huge waiting lists waiting times at A&E
"If you have cancer diagnosis or cardiac arrest you just want to be seen quickly and get started on treatment. We are all bilingual and we have much higher priorities."
Another woman said: "I'm pretty sure if you were having a heart attack, you wouldn't give a flying **** what language the health professional was speaking. This is completely the wrong outlet for promoting the Gaelic language. It is quite obvious from the survey results that the majority of staff are against this too. Wakey Wakey NHS Highland." Yet another said the money would be better spent on "maternity services in Wick".
Though the majority of comments on the post were negative, Pablo Mascarenhas said it was not really "codswallop" but a statutory initiative which had to be adhered to. "If you have an issue with it, complain to your MSP not at NHS Highland – they are just doing what they are required by law to do. Pretty straightforward really," he added.
Pam Dudek, NHS Highland’s chief executive, said: “We are pleased to play our part in promoting the Gaelic language across Highland, Argyll and Bute and the rest of Scotland.
“This will benefit many of the patients and communities we serve. Our high-level aims look to develop further engagement with Gaelic in services such as dementia, family services and to encourage and develop the early-career options for Gaelic speakers in health and social care.”
NHS Highland is also launching a dual language logo as part of the wider plan. It submitted a business case to the then cabinet secretary, Humza Yousaf, to outline how use of the dual language logo will "support cultural ambitions to make Gaelic increasingly visible" in communities across Highland, Argyll and Bute.
The business case was accepted and NHS Highland will launch the logo on its digital platforms, and it will update signage across its estate, vehicle livery and other printed materials as and when required.
The NHS Gaelic Language Plan includes the results of a public consultation which showed that around 75 per cent of those who responded were opposed to the initiative. "The most common view submitted, was that Gaelic was not considered important in light of all the other priorities facing NHS Highland and health services more generally," it states in Appendix 2.
