Doctors offered help with dialect

Doctors moving to the north-east of England are to be given a dialect guide to help them settle in.

Easington Primary Care Trust (PCT), in County Durham, is compiling the guide to help doctors have a better understanding of their patients.

On Tuesday, a session was being held for the public to suggest words for a health-related glossary.

It is part of a project to tackle a future shortfall of doctors and dentists in the area.

The idea emerged from the Big Project - a five-year recruitment programme running in the district.

North East slang Gob - mouth Lug - ear Fettle - condition, health Out of kilter - out of condition Smit - infection

Project director Linda van Zwanenberg said: "Through the Big Project we are hoping to recruit doctors from around the country as well as from overseas.

"We hope the finished dialect guide will help these new doctors settle in to the area and help them to provide the best possible service for our patients."

Tuesday's consultation event at Shotton Hall Banqueting Centre was due to include a role play based on a visit to a doctor's surgery and workshop sessions to discuss local dialect.

Another workshop involves participants being asked to stick words for body parts on two life-size figures.

A PCT spokeswoman said: "Rather than just recruit people, we are trying to give them a good induction to help them settle in."

People were being updated on the progress of the Big Project and being given the chance to comment on what has been done so far.