HOWIS News

Have your say on Welsh language services in health and social care

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:40:24 GMT

The Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, has launched a consultation on how to strengthen Welsh language services to meet the care needs of Welsh speakers, their families and carers.

National Preventive Mechanism publishes Annual Report into state of UK Detention: Progress Made

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:17:51 GMT

The second annual report of the UK’s National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) is published today, giving an overview of the state of detention in prisons, police custody, children’s secure accommodation, immigration, military and mental health detention.

Local Welsh pharmacies provide vital service in deprived areas

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:15:37 GMT

Recent research by the Pharmaceutical Public Health Team reveals that within Wales community pharmacies are more likely to be located in areas of higher deprivation than areas of lower deprivation.

Appointment of Chair to Cardiff & Vale University Local Health Board

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:34:54 GMT

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced the appointment of Ms Maria Battle as Chair of Cardiff & Vale University Local Health Board. She succeeds Mr David Francis when he stands down on the 31 March 2012.

The rights and voices of children have to be at the heart of the Family Justice System

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:28:53 GMT

The Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, has emphasised that the rights and voices of children must be at the heart of the family justice system in Wales.

Campaign to protect children from smoking in cars

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:19:31 GMT

A Welsh Government campaign to protect children from the harmful effect of second hand smoke in cars has begun.

Views sought on Welsh pharmaceutical regulations

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:09:29 GMT

The Welsh Government has opened a consultation on modernising pharmaceutical regulations in Wales.

Winter weather advice

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:40:39 GMT

SNOW news, traffic and weather updates and other useful information, together with advice on health services, are being brought together by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

New Drive To Attract More Doctors To Wales

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:51:58 GMT

A fresh campaign to encourage more doctors to apply to work in Wales was launched by Health Minister Lesley Griffiths today.

Appointment to Chair of Cardiff and Vale University Local Health Board

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:24:12 GMT

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths today (02/02/2012) announced the appointment of Ms Maria Battle as Chair of Cardiff & Vale University Local Health Board. She succeeds Mr David Francis when he stands down on the 31 March 2012.

BCS Health in Wales special interest group seminar

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:56:20 GMT

A BCS Health in Wales seminar will focus on the need for an all-Wales health informatics forum, question whether data linkage and population segmentation tools can be used more efficiently, and discuss ICT in healthcare.

Health Minister calls in to Wales' only adult Cystic Fibrosis unit

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:47:43 GMT

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Health and Social Services, has taken a tour of the only adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) unit in Wales.

Advice to pregnant women during the lambing season

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:54:16 GMT

Women who are, or who may be, pregnant should avoid close contact with animals that are giving birth.

Health Minister applauds Hospice's dignity in end-of-life care

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:03:02 GMT

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Health and Social Services, has commended the high-quality care given at the Marie Curie Hospice in Penarth.

Consultation on new Child Practice Reviews

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:40:00 GMT

The Welsh Government has opened a consultation on practice guidance to support the new Child Practice Reviews framework that will replace current Serious Case Review procedures.

Ban on sale of cigarettes from vending machines in Wales -- one week to go

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:35:19 GMT

There is one week to go until a new law is introduced in Wales which will ban the sale of cigarettes from vending machines. The move is part of the Welsh Government’s efforts to safeguard young people and children from the harmful effects of smoking.

A Stronger Voice and Real Control in Social Services

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:19:59 GMT

A stronger voice and real control is one of the principal aims of the new wide-ranging Social Services Bill for Wales, announced by Gwenda Thomas, the Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services.

NWIS showcases projects at BioWales 2012

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:59:24 GMT

NWIS will be at the International Life Sciences event, BioWales 2012, taking place at the Cardiff Millennium Centre on the 13-14 March.

Early years focus for mental health conference

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:50:23 GMT

Delegates at the All Wales Mental Health Promotion Network annual conference will discuss the importance of early years development on mental health and wellbeing.

Cancer Incidence in Wales 2006-10 report published

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:57:54 GMT

The Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit (WCISU) has published cancer incidence figures in Wales for the diagnosis period from 2006 to 2010.

Supermeals helping people in Wales eat better on a budget

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:41:15 GMT

Change4Life is sending out thousands of free recipe brochures to help people in Wales plan and cook healthy evening meals that won’t break the bank

Healthcare Inspectorate Wales Annual Report 2010 - 2011

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:40:05 GMT

Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, Wales’s independent healthcare watchdog today launches its seventh Annual Report.

Health Minister enjoys miles of smiles at Ninian Park Primary

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:24:48 GMT

The Minister for Health and Social Services Lesley Griffiths has seen how well a Welsh Government programme tackling tooth decay is working amongst primary school children.

Organ donation consultation closing soon - last chance to have your say

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:10:58 GMT

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Lesley Griffiths, is urging the Welsh public to make their mark before the organ donation consultation closes.

Go-ahead for £15.8m Cardiff Royal Infirmary revamp

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:11:48 GMT

Cardiff’s health services received a boost in the form of £15.8million from the Welsh Government. The funding will allow work to start on the provision of a range of services at Cardiff Royal Infirmary (CRI).

Minister keeps an eye on world-first Optometry Education Centre

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:07:15 GMT

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Lesley Griffiths, has visited the first postgraduate education centre for optometry in the world – based in Cardiff.

Further public meetings on organ donation plans announced

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:02:10 GMT

On average, one person a week in Wales dies while waiting for a suitable donor and around 300 people are currently waiting for an organ transplant.

Reproductive and Early Years Pathfinder progress report published

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:12:25 GMT

A report for the Reproductive and Early Years Pathfinder has been published which highlights the progress made during phase one of the programme.

British Heart Foundation ad: Make CPR 'hard and fast'

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:49:49 GMT

A new advertising campaign by the British Heart Foundation is urging the public to forget about "mouth-to-mouth" and to concentrate on chest compressions when performing CPR.

Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) Breast Implants

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:46:57 GMT

I wish to update Assembly Members on the action the Welsh Government is taking regarding the safety concerns identified in Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) breast implants.

BCS to award best Healthcare IT projects

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:39:17 GMT

The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) Health In Wales special interest group is celebrating its formation by awarding two prizes for 2012.

£82m to train non-medical healthcare professionals

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:01:44 GMT

Almost 2,000 non-medical healthcare students, including nurses, midwives, paramedics and pharmacists will be funded by the Welsh Government in 2012-13, Health Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced.

Minister announces over £2.9m in grant funding for voluntary sector organisations

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:55:50 GMT

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Lesley Griffiths, has announced over £2.9m in funding for national voluntary organisations

Evidence of Major Improvements in Patient Care Across Wales

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:38:37 GMT

Hourly ward rounds by nurses to check on patients’ comfort and personal needs are among the many improvements to patient care introduced as part of the Welsh Government’s drive to improve the patient experience in Wales.

Wales offers further support to women with PIP implants

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:53:35 GMT

All women in Wales who are assessed clinically as needing Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) breast implants removed will be offered replacement implants on the NHS, regardless of whether they received the initial implant privately or from the NHS.

Minister for Health and Social Services launches Sensory Loss Report

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:47:10 GMT

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Lesley Griffiths, has launched a report that will improve the lives of people with sensory loss.

Articles on enhancing ventilation in homes of children with asthma published

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:12:59 GMT

The British Journal of General Practice has published two articles written by members of the North Wales Public Health Team, Wrexham County Borough Council, the Universities of Cardiff, Bangor and Liverpool, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Health and Social Care need to work better together to improve services for older people in Wales

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:55:07 GMT

Health and social care need to work better together with other partners to shift the focus of care to health promotion, prevention, well-being and empowerment for older people in Wales.

Public Health Wales is aware of increased reporting of viral gastroenteritis to health services.

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:11:59 GMT

Following a recent increase in the number of cases viral gastroenteritis, Public Health Wales is issuing a reminder that people suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting or individuals from households with people suffering from these symptoms should not visit patients in hospital.

Better data quality for NHS Wales

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:16:14 GMT

The quality of data entered into NHS Wales systems keeps improving thanks to a national programme supported by Informatics staff.

£5.5m for 'personalised' mental health services

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:34:24 GMT

New funding worth £5.5m to improve mental health services in Wales was announced today (Wednesday 28 December) by Health Minister Lesley Griffiths.

Changes to improve provision of child contact services in Wales

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:28:00 GMT

The way that CAFCASS Cymru funds child contact services in Wales is set to change in an effort to improve consistency of provision across the country.

New Year, new regulations to meet carers' needs

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:17:50 GMT

New regulations aimed at meeting some of the needs of unpaid carers come into force on 1 January 2012.

Hurry! Less than 3 weeks left to enter the NHS Wales Awards 2012

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:42:02 GMT

You and your team could be winners at the NHS Wales Awards 2012.

Improved searching reduces duplicate records

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:35:00 GMT

An improved procedure for registering patients when they arrive at hospital is being tested in Abertawe Bro Morgannwg health board, and is leading to less duplicate records being created.

Appointments to Local Health Boards (LHBs) and NHS Trusts

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:20:13 GMT

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths today (22/12/2011) announced the following appointments of independent members to Local Health Boards and NHS Trusts in Wales:

· Marian Wyn Jones to Betsi Cadwaladr University LHB
· Liz Roberts to Betsi

Wales's top doctor to retire

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:56:41 GMT

Dr Tony Jewell today announced he will retire next summer after six years as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Wales.

Wales first to adopt new cervical screening technology

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:24:43 GMT

Cervical Screening Wales will become the first screening programme in the UK to adopt new automated technology.

£2m boost for Cardiff Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:49:42 GMT

Groundbreaking cancer research being undertaken in Cardiff has been boosted with a £2m grant from Cancer Research UK and the Welsh Government. The grant for Cardiff Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) covers the five year period from 2012-17.

Cleanliness Spot Check Report on the University Hospital of Wales Published Today

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:43:31 GMT

Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) has today published a report following an unannounced spot check at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW), Cardiff.