Award campaign aims to improve French health services

The P.E.I. French Health Network has launched a new campaign to make French health care more accessible.

The toile Sant campaign is asking Islanders to nominate health-care professionals who offered them service in French.

Patricia Richard, toile Sant assistant director, hopes the new campaign makes it easier for people to request service in French.

"When we speak of health-care services in somebody's mother tongue, we're talking about the quality of the service, communication flows a lot better, it's more of a safe environment for the people, they are more able to express themselves more comfortably and identify what the problem or the health issue is," said Richard.

Starting in January, the nominated individuals will be recognized on a monthly basis and will receive a small gift, Richard says.

"So we hope with this campaign that people will be able to offer more services in French, but also request services in French, and recognize the good work that all these health-care workers are providing," said Richard.

She hopes the campaign helps improve access to French speakers in emergency and psychiatric wards.

Richard would also like to see an increase the availability of French brochures for medical procedures.

Nominations can be made on the network's website, by phone or email.