P.E.I. seeks health care workers who can speak even a little French

The PEI French Health Care Network is looking for Islanders in the health care field who speak some French, even if it's just what they learned in high school.

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Over the last few years, the network has compiled a directory of 150 health care professionals who speak French fluently, but that'sjust a fraction of those who may know some Frenchand they're looking to add more.

"For example, somebody from Quebec is here, they can't speak a word of English, and somebody that has a limited amount of Frenchsays, 'Bonjour, je parle un peu de francais. Est-ce que je vous pouvez aidez?' Like to them, that's gold," said Patricia Richard, deputy director of the PEI French Health Network.

Health Stars

Under the network's Health Star program, Islanders can submit reviews of people who went above and beyond to speak French. Those employees get a star beside their name on the directory, and every month the network profiles one of those workers.

It's made a difference in bringing attention to French-speaking health care professionalsand it's important to make the effort, no matter the level of ability in the language, said Richard.

Island Morning7:50French language healthcare improving

Patricia Richard explains how a new program is helping connect French speaking Islanders with health professionals speaking their own language.

She suggests thatsaying somethingsuch as, "My French isn't that good, but can I help you? Maybe I can help redirect you to somebody else that can help you," would make a difference.

Health care providers who can speak French are offered sweatshirts that say Bonjour! on the front.

Islanders and visitors can use the network's websiteto see where French-speaking providers can be found on P.E.I.

The Island is predominantly anglophone, but some Islanders speak French, especially those in the Wellington and Tignish areas of western P.E.I.

"An elderly person that's starting to have signs of dementia, well they might return to their mother tongue," Richard points out. "They might not be able to speak English, although they might have during their life."

Stress can be reduced and quality of care can be improved through better communication in a patient's first language, Richard said.

A similar campaign is being carried out by a non-profit health organization in Nova Scotia.