The National Centre for Learning Welsh has announced a new partnership with the Royal College of Midwives to provide opportunities for midwives and maternity staff across Wales to strengthen their Welsh language skills.

The Welsh Government has invested in the Centre to support the workforce development schemes which  provide fully funded training for sectors and employers, enabling staff to learn Welsh and develop their Welsh language skills.

The Centre also delivers Learn Welsh programmes for medical students.

More than 9,000 health and care staff have already taken part in the Centre’s training programmes.

Julie Richards, Head of RCM Cymru, said: "Pregnancy, childbirth and the early days of parenthood are among the most important moments in a family's life. Being able to communicate in the language you feel most comfortable using can help build trust, provide reassurance and support informed choices throughout your maternity journey.

"This new partnership will help strengthen person-centred maternity care across Wales and ensure more women and families can access services in Welsh if they wish to do so."

The Cabinet Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Anna Brychan, said: "For many Welsh speakers, being able to communicate in Welsh when receiving care can make a real difference to their experience. It can help people feel more comfortable and confident, support their dignity, and make it easier to express themselves and understand important information about their health and care.

"Our investment is helping more people develop Welsh-language skills and pursue careers across the health and care sector, strengthening the bilingual workforce in Wales and creating more opportunities for patients and families who wish to receive care in Welsh."