Public Health Wales: Latest News

Press Release - 16 April 2012

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:39:21 GMT

APPEAL ISSUED AS BOWEL UPTAKE DROPS

GP surveillance of infections in Wales report

Mon, 21 May 2012 10:24:14 GMT

Weekly newsletter which includes clinical consultations rates of 13 diseases, based on returns from 44 sentinel practices in Wales, and a topical news article. This week - The Oak Processionary Moth

Local people become champions for health

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:26:28 GMT

Local people in Gwent are being given the opportunity to become champions for health in their community thanks to a new scheme launched this week.

Parents reminded of vaccinations ahead of summer holidays

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:04:57 GMT

Parents in Wales booking their summer holidays are being reminded to make sure they also book an appointment for their children to receive their vaccinations.

Powys Public Health Team marks Stroke Awareness Month

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:03:09 GMT

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and Powys Public Health Team is reminding residents of how to recognise the signs of a stroke.

Improving quality reduces costs, according to new white paper

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:36:27 GMT

NHS Wales can provide superior care while saving money according to a new 1000 Lives Plus white paper, described as a “pivotal document” by David Sissling, Chief Executive of NHS Wales.

Creating a person-centred healthcare system

Fri, 18 May 2012 10:52:50 GMT

A new white paper from 1000 Lives Plus outlines some of the ways NHS Wales needs to adapt to become a healthcare system that is genuinely patient-centred.

Patient feedback to measure quality of NHS in future

Fri, 18 May 2012 10:35:49 GMT

Plans designed to ensure patients in Wales receive excellent quality care, wherever and whenever they need it, have been published by the Welsh Government.

Environmental Audit Committee publishes report on sustainable food

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:55:24 GMT

The Government must develop a joined-up strategy to change the UK's unhealthy and environmentally damaging food system, as fears mount about global food security, MPs on the Commons Environmental Audit Committee warn.

Let your good idea Shine!

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:52:24 GMT

The Health Foundation’s innovation programme, Shine, is now open for funding applications until 17 July 2012, with over £1 million available to support up to 18 innovative healthcare teams.

Influenza activity in Wales: week 19 2012

Thu, 17 May 2012 09:56:49 GMT

The weekly clinical consultation rate for influenza in Wales for week 19 is 2.4 consultations per 100,000 population and has very slightly increased compared to week 18 (2.1 consultations).

Teenage Conception Audit commences

Thu, 17 May 2012 09:47:59 GMT

A Teenage Conception Audit has been implemented across the end of pregnancy services in NHS Wales as part of a project co-ordinated by Public Health Wales.

Good Practice Guide - Designing for a Clean, Safe and Tidy Environment

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:30:15 GMT

Keep Wales Tidy have produce a Good Practice Guide - 'Designing for a Clean, Safe and Tidy Environment'.

Public Health Wales marks International Nurses' Day

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:06:35 GMT

Public Health Wales is marking International Nurses’ Day by highlighting the work of some of its staff.

Influenza activity in Wales: week 18 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:35:32 GMT

The weekly clinical consultation rate for influenza in Wales for week 18 is 2.4 consultations per 100,000 population and has very slightly decreased compared to week 17 (2.8 consultations).

RCMA Launches New 'Healthy Corner Shop' Project Supported by Cardiff Council

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:08:25 GMT

Corner shops located in three of Cardiff’s most deprived communities have been chosen to participate in a new Healthy Corner Shop project being coordinated by RCMA’s Steve Garrett for Cardiff’s Healthy City programme as a part of Cardiff Council’s aim to encourage residents to have a healthier lifestyle.

Wales Mental Health Primary Care Network

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:57:49 GMT

WaMH in PC has just launched their new Facebook page, they will be updating their new page with information and links every day to highlight the work they are doing to promote and improve mental health care across Wales.

HEIDI: A new way of sharing and storing health information in the EU

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:23:17 GMT

HEIDI stands for Health in Europe: Information and Data Interface and is an internet based wiki that presents reliable and comparable data about health in the EU.

Laboratory-confirmed infections and notifications reports

Wed, 09 May 2012 10:48:00 GMT

The Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre has published reports on rates of laboratory-confirmed infections and notifications of communicable diseases in Wales for the month of April 2012.

Consultation: Together for Mental Health - A Cross-Government Strategy for Mental Health and Wellbeing in Wales

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:28:57 GMT

Start of consultation: 08/05/2012
End of consultation: 31/07/2012

‘Together for Mental Health’ is our new mental health strategy for Wales, covering people of all ages. It aims to address the needs of people with mental health problems or a mental illness, whilst also improving mental wellbeing.

8th Annual Meeting and Symposium of HEPA Europe

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:00:24 GMT

26 – 27 September 2012
Millennium Stadium and Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Results of healthcare associated infections survey published

Tue, 08 May 2012 13:59:28 GMT

Public Health Wales has published the Welsh results of a European study to collect data on healthcare associated infections, the use of medical devices and antimicrobial usage in hospitals.

Case of cryptosporidiosis investigated in Cardiff school

Fri, 04 May 2012 16:00:05 GMT

Public Health Wales and Environmental Health Officers from Cardiff County Council are investigating several cases of diarrhoeal illness in sixth formers from The Bishop of Llandaff Church in Wales High School, Cardiff.

GP surveillance of infections in Wales report

Fri, 04 May 2012 10:22:29 GMT

Weekly newsletter which includes clinical consultations rates of 13 diseases, based on returns from 44 sentinel practices in Wales, and a topical news article. This week - National Community Child Health Database

Equality Plan for Public Health Wales approved

Fri, 04 May 2012 09:56:17 GMT

A plan which sets out the principles of the organisation’s commitment to equality and diversity has been adopted.

Influenza activity in Wales: week 17 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 17:25:59 GMT

The weekly clinical consultation rate for influenza in Wales for week 17 is 2.8 consultations per 100,000 population and has very slightly increased compared to week 16 (2.1 consultations).

12th International HIA Conference, Quebec. August 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 13:24:14 GMT

Online registration is now open for the 12^th HIA International Conference in Québec, Canada which takes place on 29th-31st August 2012. Visit www.HIA2012.ca and click on the Registration Link to register.

Report published on fellowship trip to British Columbia

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:06:22 GMT

Sarah Hope, Principal Health Promotion Specialist with Powys Public Health Team, has now produced a report detailing her recent travels and studies throughout British Columbia.

Rugby star tackles embarrassment of bowel screening!

Wed, 02 May 2012 15:44:32 GMT

Rugby star, Phil Bennett is hoping to kick bowel cancer into touch, after promoting Bowel Screening Wales on ITV this week.

Registration opens for Welsh Public Health Conference

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:56:12 GMT

Registration is now open for the second Welsh Public Health Conference being held on 18 July 2012 at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff.

Case studies highlight examples of patient and person driven care from across Wales

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:48:49 GMT

1000 Lives Plus is launching a series of case studies showcasing tools and techniques applied by teams across Wales to ensure their services are centred on the needs and wishes of patients and their families.

Plan for liver health in prisons launched

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:10:36 GMT

Public Health Wales has launched a service delivery plan to support Welsh prisons in improving liver health for prisoners.

Public Health Wales website statistics for March 2012 published

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:03:42 GMT

Data collected by Google Analytics on how visitors interacted with the Public Health Wales website during the third month of 2012 are now available.

Improving treatment for individuals with eating disorders

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:18:06 GMT

The number of people developing eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia is on the increase in Wales with around 1,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

Childhood vaccines highlighted during European Immunizations Week

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:00:34 GMT

Public Health Wales is highlighting the importance of childhood vaccinations during European Immunization Week 2012.

National recognition for the all-Wales Enhanced Recovery after Surgery programme

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:51:16 GMT

NHS Wales staff involved in work to improve the quality of patient care following major surgery are celebrating after winning a UK-wide award.

Measles cases in Gwynedd continue to rise

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:03:23 GMT

Parents across North Wales are being urged to ensure that their children are up to date with both doses of their MMR vaccination following an increase of cases of measles across Gwynedd.

Update on outbreak of cryptosporidiosis associated with Cwmbran farm

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:54:55 GMT

A further four people have been clinically diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis and are linked to the outbreak associated with a farm in Cwmbran.

Professor Simon Smail re-appointed as Non Executive Director of Public Health Wales

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:55:44 GMT

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced that Professor Simon Smail has been re-appointed as a Non Executive Director of Public Health Wales.

Call for posters for Welsh Public Health Conference

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:06:13 GMT

Poster abstracts are now being accepted for the second Welsh Public Health Conference being held on 18 July in Cardiff.

Health Challenge Wales

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:16:15 GMT

The Minister for Health and Social Services has approved a new bidding round for

the Health Challenge Wales Voluntary Sector Grant Scheme.

Flu-like illness at Carmarthenshire residential home

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:10:36 GMT

Public Health Wales is investigating an outbreak of flu-like illness at a residential home in Carmarthenshire.

Water Health Partnership for Wales newsletter published

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:49:37 GMT

The Water Health Partnership for Wales has published it's first newsletter giving an update on what is happening within the Partnership and providing an overview of current improvement projects and forthcoming events.

Schmallenberg Virus

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:48:16 GMT

Information about Schmallenberg virus (SBV) which is associated with disease in animals, has been published by the Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) and the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Agenda and papers published for seventeenth Board meeting

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:08:31 GMT

The agenda and papers have been published for the seventeenth meeting of the Public Health Wales Board.

Wider determinants of health reports produced at small area level

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:52:23 GMT

The Public Health Wales Observatory has published small area reports for each of the seven health board areas which map a number of indicators relating to the wider determinants of health.

Participation Cymru

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:49:06 GMT

Participation Cymru unveil new citizen and community engagement training programme

Play and the Workforce - a cross sector survey WALES ONLY

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:43:35 GMT

Deadline for responses: 20 April 2012

Do you work or aspire to work directly with children and young people in Wales, or in a role where your services relate to children such as design of public space or transport? If so, can you take five minutes to complete a workforce survey?

The Health Challenge Wales Voluntary Sector Grant Scheme 2013-2015

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:04:51 GMT

The Minister for Health and Social Services has approved a new bidding round for the Health Challenge Wales Voluntary Sector Grant Scheme.

Flu outbreaks at Swansea nursing homes

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:24:34 GMT

Public Health Wales is investigating flu outbreaks at two nursing homes in Swansea.

TB screening in Rhondda Cynon Taf

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:45:11 GMT

A man from the Rhondda Cynon Taf area has been diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis He has been recovering at home and has not been admitted to hospital.

Wales well represented at International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:00:38 GMT

Quality improvement in Welsh healthcare will be presented to healthcare professionals from across the globe at the International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare 2012, taking place in Paris this week (17-20 April).

Courses restore confidence for those with chronic conditions

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:39:29 GMT

Starting on 16 April, all 708 pharmacies in Wales will be participating in a two week campaign to give patients with long term conditions the confidence and skills to manage their health.

Age Cymru publishes sexual health and wellbeing booklet for over 50s

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:59:12 GMT

A Welsh charity has published a sexual health and wellbeing booklet for over 50s.

Outbreak of cryptosporidium associated with Cwmbran farm

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:31:06 GMT

Public Health Wales and Torfaen County Borough Council with the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency are investigating an outbreak of cryptosporidium associated with a farm in Cwmbran.

Welsh Public Health Conference date announced

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:01:55 GMT

The second Welsh Public Health Conference will be held on Wednesday 18 July 2012 at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff.

Cardiff - a Sustainable Food City?

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:58:45 GMT

What would a sustainable food city look like and how would it work?

Taking Care Farming Forward in Wales

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:18:46 GMT

The Rural Health Plan Implementation Group has signed off this report which can be accessed on their website.

Public Health Wales finalist in NHS Wales Awards 2012

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:01:53 GMT

Public Health Wales is celebrating after being selected as a finalist in the NHS Wales Awards 2012.

Improving Patient Care - NHS Wales Awards 2012 Finalists Announced

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:48:34 GMT

The finalists for the NHS Wales Awards 2012, announced today (Monday, April 2, 2012), reveal a high standard of diverse and innovative work that is delivering improved patient care across Wales.

NEW! HIA and Housing - WHIASU and CREW half day training courses

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:43:47 GMT

In 2011, WHIASU held several short HIA trainng courses in collaboration with the Centre for Regeneration Excellence in Wales (CREW). This year this successful partnership is to continue and the courses will focus on HIA and how it can be used to support housing regeneration and other housing initiatives.

Launch of a new campaign to reduce the use of catheters and cannulas

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:16:37 GMT

A new campaign to improve the quality and safety of patient care through better use of urinary catheters and intravenous cannulas and reduce the number being used in patient care has been launched by 1000 Lives Plus.

Launch of a new campaign to reduce the use of catheters and cannulas

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:00:38 GMT

Laboratory-confirmed infections and notifications reports

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:14:56 GMT

The Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre has published reports on rates of laboratory-confirmed infections and notifications of communicable diseases in Wales for the month of March 2012.

GP surveillance of infections in Wales report

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:12:03 GMT

Weekly newsletter which includes clinical consultations rates of 13 diseases, based on returns from 44 sentinel practices in Wales, and a topical news article. This week - Lyme Disease

Update on outbreak of gastrointestinal illness, Lampeter

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:19:14 GMT

Investigations into an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness at a school in Lampeter have shown that norovirus is the most likely cause.

Public Health Wales website statistics for February 2012 published

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:22:26 GMT

Data collected by Google Analytics on how visitors interacted with the Public Health Wales website during the second month of 2012 are now available.

Detailed analysis of Welsh Health Survey produced

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:13:15 GMT

A report has been produced which presents findings from the Welsh Health Survey at a more detailed local level.

Be tick aware!

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:53:50 GMT

Public Health Wales is reminding people during Tick Bite Prevention Week (26 March – 1 April) to be aware of the risk of tick bites as very occasionally these can cause Lyme disease.

Influenza activity in Wales: week 12 2012

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:42:07 GMT

The weekly clinical consultation rate for influenza in Wales for week 12 is 5.2 consultations per 100,000 population and has decreased compared to week 11 (7.8 consultations).

GP surveillance of infections in Wales report

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:59:44 GMT

Weekly newsletter which includes clinical consultations rates of 13 diseases, based on returns from 44 sentinel practices in Wales, and a topical news article. This week - World TB Day

World TB Day: 24 March 2012

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:37:11 GMT

World TB Day is held each year to raise awareness worldwide about the international health threat presented by tuberculosis (TB).

WCISU Director retires

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:38:50 GMT

Dr John Steward, Director of the Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit (WCISU) is retiring.

Outbreak of gastrointestinal illness, Lampeter

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:28:18 GMT

Public Health Wales and Ceredigion County Council are investigating an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness at a school in Lampeter.

Preschool health scheme launched

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:25:05 GMT

A preschool scheme aimed at improving the health of Swansea youngsters has been launched by Public Health Wales at the Richard Ley Development Centre in Llansamlet.

Newborn Hearing Screening Wales publishes annual report

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:23:56 GMT

The Newborn Hearing Screening Wales programme has published its annual report for 2011, highlighting a successful year.

Influenza activity in Wales: week 11 2012

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:15:50 GMT

The weekly clinical consultation rate for influenza in Wales for week 11 is 7.8 consultations per 100,000 population and has increased compared to week 10 (4.6 consultations).

Jequirity Bean Bracelets

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:19:28 GMT

In response to enquiries received about the possible risks associated with bracelets made from Jequirity Beans (which contain the poison abrin), the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published new information for the public about these beans.

MAC AIDS Fund - Request for Proposals 2012

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:10:38 GMT

A request for proposals (RFP) from the MAC AIDS Fund (in English only) has been released.

GP surveillance of infections in Wales report

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:46:11 GMT

Weekly newsletter which includes clinical consultations rates of 13 diseases, based on returns from 44 sentinel practices in Wales, and a topical news article. This week - Head Lice

Porthmadog measles outbreak update

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:41:32 GMT

A further six people have been clinically diagnosed with measles in Porthmadog bringing the total number of cases to 42.

Participation Cymru unveil new citizen and community engagement training programme

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:07:09 GMT

Participation Cymru has launched its new training programme for public service providers in the third and public sectors for April - July 2012.

Agenda and papers published for sixteenth Board meeting

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:12:58 GMT

The agenda and papers have been published for the sixteenth meeting of the Public Health Wales Board.

Responsible drinking encouraged for Wales' final six nations game

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:52:27 GMT

Ahead of Wales’ final game in the Six Nations tournament this weekend rugby fans are being reminded to keep Cardiff a safe and enjoyable venue for everyone.

Public and stakeholder engagement strategy consultation opens

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:54:24 GMT

A draft Public Health Wales Public and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy has been published for consultation.

Pilot child health surveillance system to be launched in Gwent

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:14:58 GMT

Aneurin Bevan Health Board is piloting a child health surveillance system in partnership with the Reproductive and Early Years Pathfinder Programme.

All Wales Sexual Health Network Annual Conference 2012

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:40:29 GMT

Presentations from the All Wales Sexual Health Network Annual Conference are now available to download.

All Wales C Card Minimum Recommended Standards

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:39:08 GMT

The final version of the All Wales C Card Minimum Recommended Standards will be issued shortly, but we can now confirm that a universal database is being produced for use across Wales.

All Wales Sexual Health Network - Membership Review

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:38:03 GMT

We know that some practitioners work in only one specialised area of sexual health, or maybe 2 or three areas. The Network exists to support all of those working within sexual health.

Take the leap and quit smoking

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:23:39 GMT

On 14 March 2012, Public Health Wales is working with partners to encourage smokers to 'take the leap' and quit smoking on No Smoking Day.

Cymorth Cymru celebrates success of second conference

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:12:06 GMT

Cymorth Cymru, in partnership with Public Health Wales, held a successful conference at The Future Inn, Cardiff on 8-9 March 2012.

NEW! WHIASU 3 Day HIA Training Course September 2012

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:51:38 GMT

The Wales Health Impact Assessment Support Unit (WHIASU) are pleased to announce another exciting 3 day HIA course which will be held September 18th-20th 2012 in the picturesque setting of Gregynog, Mid-Wales.

Realignment Project communication bulletin March 2012

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:16:12 GMT

The Realignment Project has issued a bulletin following a meeting of its Project Board in March.

WHIASU Annual Report 2010-11 published

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:32:18 GMT

WHIASU Annual Report 2010-11 is now available.

National and international approaches to improvement

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:57:18 GMT

The latest edition of the 1000 Lives Plus e-newsletter contains news of the forthcoming national roll-out of a new early warning score to detect illness, new initiatives to reshape stroke services, and details of an international conference for healthcare students.

National and international approaches to improvement

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:47:37 GMT

Bowel Screening Wales on Facebook!

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:07:45 GMT

Latest quarterly report for the uptake of routine childhood immunisations in Wales

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:28:45 GMT

The latest COVER report has been published which details the uptake of childhood vaccinations in Wales for the last quarter of 2011 (October-December) and which also includes uptake data for the non-routine BCG and hepatitis B vaccines.

Improving the patient experience through Transforming Care

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:05:28 GMT

Nurses spending more time at the bedside, improved ward environments and a significant reduction in pressure ulcers are just some of benefits patients have received thanks to the Transforming Care programme, which is being celebrated today at a special event in Cardiff.

Porthmadog measles outbreak update

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:31:13 GMT

Parents across North Wales are being urged to ensure that their children are up to date with both doses of their MMR vaccination following the outbreak of measles in Porthmadog.