A recent missive requiring Waikato medical staff to speak only in English may have caused concern among migrant nurses but it’s not a one-size-fits-all diktat, Health NZ Chief Executive has clarified.
Margie Apa told The Indian Weekender the internal memo sent on October 11, 2024, followed concerns that the use of languages other than English in clinical settings could be unsafe for patients.
“This communication could be in English, or another language. The key point is patient safety,” Apa said when pointed out that patients with different ethnicities might actually prefer their native language over English.
Margie Apa, head of Te Whatu Ora/Photo: LinkedIn
“While we accept staff may wish to speak in their preferred language as part of everyday informal conversations – we expect health professionals to use their judgement for when this is clinically safe and appropriate in relation to patient care,” Apa said.
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She went on to add she “can see how these may have caused concern among some of our staff”. “I will be sending a message to staff this afternoon to ensure that, where it is clinically safe and appropriate for patients and working in teams, they exercise their professional judgement on the appropriate language to be used. They are professionals, and we trust their judgement.”
The earlier memo highlighted that while Te Reo Māori and sign language may be used in "other settings" – where decisions aren't being made, or treatment isn't being planned or evaluated – the use of English remains crucial in clinical settings.
The memo emphasised that in such environments, "English, both spoken and written, supports clinical safety, and this expectation should be adhered to."
The note sent by Te Whatu Ora to Waikato staff. Photo: Supplied
Apa, further clarified that the organisation “celebrates the diverse cultural backgrounds of our staff and recognises the value this diversity brings in being responsive to the needs of patients from various community and cultural backgrounds."
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