Taalcourses are indispensable for us

Fifteen participants have now started a course in which they learn, among other things, to read their work schedule, to report sick and better, to transfer work, to understand abbreviations on a diet list, to understand the hygiene rules and to be able to politely communicate with patients. Participants in the Advanced course also learn how to give or receive compliments and how to respond well to criticism.

They always think along with us

Esther de Wilde, Patient Information & Low Literacy Advisor, explains the reasons for providing training at TopTaal to purchase. 'We have a large Services department. This includes the cleaning team, among other things. Because many people work there whose mother tongue is not Dutchtaal we have decided to give them the opportunity to taalTo improve knowledge. This group of employees appeared to be facing many challenges, such as reading instructions and safety regulations. This needed to change. Taal is a means to improve employee performance. And because we are increasingly focusing on low-literate employees and patients, the taalcourses are indispensable for us.'

Enthusiastic reactions

Esther experiences the contact persons as helpful and friendly. TopTaal"They're always thinking along with us. They're also very helpful with grant applications. For example, this year they helped us when we wanted to apply for a grant again. They let us know when the application deadline was approaching and then completed a large part of the grant application for us. That was a huge help."

Also the flexibility that TopTaal offers, is well received at the Spaarne Gasthuis. Together with TopTaal Esther is figuring out the most suitable times for the courses. Cleaners often work evening shifts, so it's important they can attend the course during the day. "The evaluation of last year's course showed that there was a fairly long period between intakes and the start of the courses. This was due to the subsidy allocation back then. This year, we were able to do things differently."

We received very enthusiastic responses from the participants. It was also helpful that everyone received advice from the instructor: go to the library. Or chat with the neighbor. We've noticed that participants find it difficult to continue learning independently after the course, so it was valuable that they were given personal guidance. What I also really enjoyed was that as a guesthouse, we participated in Literacy Week. When I wanted to organize a refresher course for all staff, from doctors to receptionists, TopTaal to do this free of charge, especially for us as a hospital. Isn't that fantastic?