Board of Community Health Councils: Latest News

Norovirus update 22.02.2012

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:49:11 GMT

Norovirus ward closures update for Wednesday, 22/02: Morriston Hospital: CDU West, Ward D, Ward E, Ward S and Powys Ward. Singleton Hospital: Ward 7. Please be aware that visiting is restricted to exceptional circumstances only.

Influenza activity in Wales: week 07 2012

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:37:50 GMT

The weekly clinical consultation rate for influenza in Wales for week 07 is 5.1 consultations per 100,000 population and has decreased compared to week 06 (9.4 consultations).

JAG accreditation for Bronglais Hospital Unit

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:29:47 GMT

Bronglais Hospital’s Endoscopy Unit has become the first in Wales to be awarded JAG Accreditation.

Donation to benefit Hywel Dda patients

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:22:58 GMT

Hywel Dda Health Board’s Urology service at Glangwili Hospital has received a vital new piece of equipment from the West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group and Carmarthen Rotary Association.

Get into Health in Ceredigion

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:15:41 GMT

Hywel Dda Health Board and The Prince’s Trust Cymru are delighted to launch Get into Health in Ceredigion.

Bronglais Hospital -- Temporary Car Park closure

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:04:24 GMT

On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February, the tower crane, required for the construction of Bronglais Hospital’s Front of House scheme, will be removed from the site.

Sexual health in the over 50s a key discussion point at conference

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:55:55 GMT

The All Wales Sexual Health Network Annual Conference will take place at Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday, 22 February.

Stonewall Workplace Conference April 20th 2012

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:26:37 GMT

Bookings are open for Stonewall’s Workplace Conference 2012 – the must attend event for anyone involved in the delivery of lesbian, gay and bisexual equality in the workplace.

UHB goes smoke free

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:04:53 GMT

Cardiff and Vale UHB is taking the next step to a smoke free future.

Health Minister officially opens centre of excellence Neuro ward

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:52:45 GMT

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Lesley Griffiths, has officially opened a new Neurosciences High Care Ward which is part of the £18m Neurosurgery Unit in the University Hospital of Wales, designed to be a centre of excellence.

Deputy Minister welcomes Chief Inspector's report

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:47:55 GMT

The Deputy Minister for Social Services Gwenda Thomas has welcomed the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) Chief Inspector’s annual report for 2010-2011, published Monday 20 February.

Go-ahead for £89.9m Ysbyty Glan Clwyd redevelopment

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:42:34 GMT

The final go-ahead has been given for the major redevelopment and refurbishment of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd by Health Minister Lesley Griffiths.

Advice for people with winter vomiting bug

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:37:40 GMT

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Tony Jewell, is reminding people with the winter vomiting bug norovirus not to turn up at hospital Emergency Departments for treatment, and not to visit anyone in hospital.

Rugby great helps Wales' top doctor 'convert' workers' health and well-being

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:32:01 GMT

The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Jewell was joined by rugby great Paul Thorburn in the Millennium Stadium to promote the Health at Work Advice Line Wales.

Review of Community Health Councils Announced

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:27:12 GMT

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced a review of Community Health Councils (CHCs) in Wales.

Wales welcomes BMA backing for soft opt-out organ donation system

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:22:12 GMT

The Welsh Government has welcomed the British Medical Association’s backing for a soft opt-out system of organ donation.

Wales' top doctor warns against alcoholic excesses during events

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:17:05 GMT

Wales’ top doctor is reminding people to stay safe and in control while enjoying major events and if accidents do happen, to Choose Well when seeking medical help.

Rural Health Plan breaks down barriers between hospital and community care

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:11:38 GMT

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Lesley Griffiths, has praised the progress of a rural health board towards actively breaking down barriers between hospital and community care.

Deputy Minister sees Flying Start in action

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:04:54 GMT

Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, has visited a nursery in Wrexham to see how families in the area are benefiting from the Flying Start scheme.

Norovirus affecting Morriston Hospital wards

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:25:29 GMT

Four wards in Morriston Hospital have now been closed because of Norovirus, and visitors are being urged to stay away until the wards reopen.

NISCHR CRC wins 'NHS Research Site of the Year' Award

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:16:30 GMT

NISCHR CRC has been recognised at a major international awards ceremony for its work supporting health and social care research.

Medicines Management Waste Campaign

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:46:14 GMT

Please remember that although prescriptions are free to you, the average prescription item costs the NHS £9. Only order what you need.

Countdown to Smoke Free Hospitals

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:43:01 GMT

There are just 3 weeks until all Health Board sites, including grounds, become smoke free on Wednesday 14th March 2012. One member of staff was encouraged to quit after moving to the Health Board's newest hospital.....

Healthy Wednesday -- convert your drinking to calories

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:04:08 GMT

With many people planning on watching the rugby and having a drink this weekend why not this Healthy Wednesday see how alcohol can convert into calories.

Meet your Ambulance Service

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:45:51 GMT

Welsh Ambulance has launched its 'Meet your Ambulance Service' giving members of the public the chance to meet staff and learn about their local services.

Accessible Healthcare for People with Sensory Loss in Wales

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:29:19 GMT

The Board of Community Health Councils in Wales is pleased to have contributed to the Accessible Healthcare for People with Sensory Loss in Wales: Final Report of the Accessible Healthcare for People with Sensory Loss Steering Group.

GP surveillance of infections in Wales report

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:13:43 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 - Single-use Instrument Surveillance in Wales.

Upgrades to Llandrindod Wells hospital

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:50:53 GMT

Powys teaching Health Board is currently implementing a number of improvements to the equipment and facilities at Llandrindod Wells hospital.

Outbreak of measles in Gwynedd update

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:31:31 GMT

Public Health Wales and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board are urging parents in Gwynedd to get their children vaccinated with MMR following an increase of measles cases associated with Ysgol Eifionydd School, Porthmadog, Gwynedd.

Reducing the spread of infection

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:04:47 GMT

The impact of the diarrhoea and vomiting infection in the community has meant that the outbreak at Withybush General Hospital has worsened over the last 24 hours.

Healthy Schools Award at Gladstone Primary School

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:27:31 GMT

Rugby fever hit Gladstone Primary School in the run up to the Six Nations tournament when a sporting celebrity visited the school.

Public Health Wales to carry out development work on European database of Hepatitis B

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:30:53 GMT

Public Health Wales has been contracted by the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) to carryout development work on a proposed Hepatitis B (HBV) database for all of Europe.

Warning over home treadmill burns risk to children

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:25:08 GMT

Plastic surgeons at the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery at Morriston Hospital are warning parents about the risk of children receiving deep burns from accidents on home treadmills, and are calling for urgent action to be taken to prevent more injuries.

Ratification of AWMSG advice

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:03:54 GMT

Welsh Government ratification of AWMSG's advice in relation to abiraterone (Zytiga^®) with prednisone or prednisolone for the treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer in adult men whose disease has progressed on or after a docetaxel-based chemotherapy regimen, has been received.

Saving lives -- Success for suicide prevention skills training

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:05:56 GMT

New research from Public Health Wales shows that training given by Mind Cymru’s Positive Choices project is making a real difference to people’s willingness to discuss and tackle suicide and self harm.

Go-ahead for £89.9m Ysbyty Glan Clwyd redevelopment

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:49:16 GMT

The final go-ahead has been given for the major redevelopment and refurbishment of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd by Health Minister Lesley Griffiths.

Outbreak of measles in Gwynedd

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:14:28 GMT

Public Health Wales and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board are urging parents in Gwynedd to get their children vaccinated with the MMR vaccine following an increase of measles cases associated with Ysgol Eifionydd School, Porthmadog, Gwynedd.

Applications double for the NHS Wales graduate management training scheme

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:04:47 GMT

The interest in a career in management with NHS Wales has significantly increased from our previous recruitment campaign in 2010 as we were delighted to receive 466 applications (an increase of 53% from 2010).

Update on diarrhoea and vomiting outbreak at Withybush General Hospital

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:11:43 GMT

The impact of the diarrhoea and vomiting infection in the community has resulted in further ward closures over the last 24 hours.

Public Health Wales website statistics for January 2012 published

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:34:06 GMT

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

Nomination of Wales for Africa Health Links Board Members

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:54:28 GMT

The first year of the Wales for Africa Health Links Network Advisory board is coming to end and nominations for board members is now open.

Statement from parents of burns boy

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:52:10 GMT

Sarah Davies and James Setterfield, the mother and step-father of Cairan Davies, aged eight, who is currently an in-patient in the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery at Morriston Hospital, has asked us to distribute this statement to the press and media on their behalf:

Advice for people with winter vomiting bug

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:23:45 GMT

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Tony Jewell, is reminding people with the winter vomiting bug norovirus not to turn up at hospital Emergency Departments for treatment unless advised to, and not to visit anyone in hospital.

Review of Community Health Councils Announced

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:19:06 GMT

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths today (Tuesday 14 February) announced a review of Community Health Councils (CHCs) in Wales.

The eight CHCs provide a voice for patients and monitor the provision of local health services.

Local breast unit receives cash boost from singing sensations

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:13:37 GMT

The breast unit at Neath Port Talbot hospital has received a welcome donation from the Cor Serenata Ladies Choir.

Social media creates clever platform for spreading health messages

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:27:20 GMT

Sarah Hope, Principal Health Promotion Specialist with Powys Public Health Team, has returned from a Winston Churchill Travel Fellowship in British Columbia, the healthiest province in Canada, full of ideas that can be translated to enhancing health on her home turf.

Spinal operation is a first for Wales

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:44:06 GMT

Within hours of having a new type of operation to treat a painful spinal fracture, 64-year-old retired carpenter Stephen Wood was once again walking tall. (with video)

Improved facilities now open at University Hospital of Wales

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:49:24 GMT

Improved facilities have opened within the University Hospital of Wales Outpatients Department, thanks to a visitor suggestion and support from Mencap Cymru.

Reducing the spread of infection

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:17:29 GMT

A further ward and some bay areas of Withybush General Hospital have been temporarily closed to new admissions.

Medicines Management Waste Campaign

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:48:08 GMT

Check what medicines you still have at home before reordering. Only order what you need.....

Norovirus Outbreak at Ysbyty Gwynedd

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:27:23 GMT

Due to a widespread outbreak of Norovirus or the ‘winter vomiting disease’ at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, the Health Board is asking visitors to think twice before visiting affected wards.

Healthy Wednesday -- swap your snacks

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:58:27 GMT

This Healthy Wednesday why not think about how much you snack between meals?

NISCHR Clinical Research Centre Training Programme 2012/2013 published

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:36:23 GMT

The NISCHR CRC Training Programme for 2012 / 2013 is now available.

Research Design & Conduct Service (RDCS)

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:35:44 GMT

The RDCS provides consultancy advice and support to NHS researchers who are preparing research bids in any area of research.

Florence Nightingale Foundation 2012 - 13 Research Scholarships now open for application

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:35:11 GMT

The Research Scholarships award funds for nurses and midwives to undertake a course in research methods, research modules or a dissertation/thesis as part of an academic course of study.

Children and Young People's Research Network (CYPRN) funding calls

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:33:24 GMT

CYRPN currently has two funding calls.

Alcohol and sex - a dangerous combination

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:54:08 GMT

The North Wales Public Health Team of Public Health Wales is using Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to highlight the impact of rising alcohol consumption on sexual health.

Listening and Engaging Continues

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:48:53 GMT

The listening and engagement period in Hywel Dda Health Board is going well with hundreds of people so far engaging with the board.

Surgeon welcomes calls for better control over cable thefts

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:19:47 GMT

A senior ABM Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon has welcomed calls for greater safeguards to prevent cable thefts after hospital computer systems were hit after thieves stole Virgin Media communication cables.

Thanks for spinal staff at new centre opening

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:29:33 GMT

Former Scottish rugby international Thom Evans made an emotional return to the capital today to open Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s new specialist spinal unit.

Framework for the evaluation of evidence.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:36:31 GMT

The Framework for the evaluation of evidence has been updated.

Cronfa Betsi Fund launched

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:54:40 GMT

At the end of January the Cronfa Betsi Fund was launched in a ceremony held at the Conwy Business Centre to an audience of local dignitaries, representatives of local authorities, members of the business community and volunteers and representatives of community groups.

Pembrokeshire Audiology Waiting Time Success

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:20:20 GMT

Waiting times for hearing aid patients have been drastically reduced across Pembrokeshire.

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.

Powys health team wins prestigious award

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:21:45 GMT

A team of health professionals from Powys teaching Health Board has this week been awarded funding from the Queen’s Nursing Institute for their Palliative Wellbeing Programme.

Exceptional Midwife Emma Mills wins Prestigious Regional Award.....

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:30:02 GMT

Emma Mills scoops JOHNSON’S^® Baby Mums’ Midwife of the Year Regional Award for Wales.....

Butterfly scheme takes off in Pembrokeshire

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:12:52 GMT

A scheme to help people with dementia is being fully launched for the first time in Wales in Pembrokeshire.

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.

Healthy Wednesday - Support to Make a Change

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:46:10 GMT

This Healthy Wednesday why not think about changes you could make to your lifestyle to decrease your risk of health problems.

European Public Health Exchange

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:33:34 GMT

Public Health Wales is hosting the 2012 European Public Health Exchange meeting on 8-9 February 2012 at the Temple of Peace and Health, Cardiff.

100th stroke patient receives clot busting drug at Morriston

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:15:52 GMT

Morriston’s 100th patient to receive a clot busting drug, which reduces the after effects of stroke, has made a complete recovery, less than a month after treatment.

Meet the Health Board

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:42:49 GMT

Hywel Dda Health Board is meeting with key health interest and lobby groups from the three counties as part of its on-going listening and engagement exercise.

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.

1000 Lives Plus - Complete care for older patients

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:45:40 GMT

Staff in Aneurin Bevan Health Board have been piloting work as part of 1000 Lives Plus aimed at the early recognition of potential problems relating to mental health, especially dementia.

Julia's dream of becoming a nurse

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:41:08 GMT

Mature student, and mum of two, Julia Rattray, 47 of Aberystwyth, was awarded an Upper Second-Class Honours Bachelor of Nursing degree at Swansea University on Friday January 27.

Laboratory-confirmed infections and notifications reports

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:50:20 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 January 2012.

Praise for unit

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:20:43 GMT

Health and Social Service Minister Lesley Griffiths has praised the work of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board's Cystic Fibrosis unit.

Red pegs mean privacy please!

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:08:57 GMT

A simple new system of red pegs is being used to safeguard patients’ privacy and dignity while they are on an ABMU hospital ward.

GP surveillance of infections in Wales report

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:46:00 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 - Salmonella Newport

Trends of tuberculosis in Wales

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:08:01 GMT

A report of the latest annual trends from 2001-2010 in the cases of tuberculosis (TB) in Wales reported through the Enhanced Tuberculosis Surveillance system has been published.

St Woolos Hospital

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:36:22 GMT

We understand that there have been some rumours in the community regarding the future of St Woolos Hospital, Newport...

National outbreak of Salmonella Newport

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:25:16 GMT

Investigations are continuing into a recent increase in cases of Salmonella Newport infection across the UK.

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.

Mobile dental unit successfully launched

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:47:45 GMT

ABM University Health Board's brand new mobile dental unit which will be visiting schools in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot has had a successful launch at Swansea's Clywd School. (with video)

Equality Champions' Conference: Delivering Equality Outcomes in Challenging Times

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:08:08 GMT

8th February 2012

10.30 - 3.30

Novotel Hotel, Cardiff

Health Promotion Library moves to Public Health Wales

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:01:01 GMT

The Health Promotion Library will move from the Welsh Government to Public Health Wales on 1 April 2012.

ABM super seven deliver excellent results

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:20:44 GMT

Seven health care support workers have become the first accredited Maternity Care Assistants (MCA) in ABM.

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.

The future of Clydach War Memorial Hospital

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:09:22 GMT

The future of Clydach War Memorial Hospital is currently being considered. Changes in service provision at the hospital, or changes taking place shortly, means it will soon become nearly empty.

Maesteg Hospital mental health beds transferred to state-of-the-art new facility

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:09:05 GMT

Maesteg Hospital will continue to play an important role in delivering healthcare following the woutcome of a wide-ranging public engagement process over the future of mental health services within ABMU health Board.

'Small Changes, Big Impact' -- The 2012 IHI Open School (UK) Conference

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:16:57 GMT

You’re invited to Cardiff this spring for ‘Small Changes, Big Impact’ - the annual IHI Open School (UK) Conference.

Influenza activity in Wales: week 04 2012

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:02:15 GMT

The weekly clinical consultation rate for influenza in Wales for week 04 is 5.4 consultations per 100,000 population and hasslightly increased compared to week 03 (4.8 consultations).

New Drive To Attract More Doctors To Wales

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:15:18 GMT

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

Launch of Defra Ecosystems Knowledge Network

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:03:11 GMT

Defra have launched the Ecosystems Knowledge Network which is a resource for anyone wanting to share knowledge or learn about the practical benefits of an ecosystems approach.

Prevention and Promotion Programme Publishes Final Report

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:18:54 GMT

New web pages for the final report and recommendations of the National Prevention and Promotion Programme have been published.

Before ordering your repeat prescription, think before you tick!

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:01:32 GMT

Before ordering your repeat prescription, check the following .....

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.