Recently I’d heard of some cases where BMA members (particularly junior doctors) were being told they couldn’t take time off during working hours to carry out trade union duties. This completely contravenes the partnership working arrangements we fought to get in place, in order for our members to be able to conduct BMA work. So, [...]
Archive for May, 2009
Victory for common sense
Friday, May 22nd, 2009
Getting behind meeting targets in the NHS
Friday, May 15th, 2009The latest NHS Wales Diagnostic and Therapy Services waiting times should be welcomed as they show that, as of the 31st March 2009, no patients are waiting more than eight weeks for specified diagnostic services and that no one is waiting more than fourteen weeks for specified therapy services. This means that the WAG has [...]
To wear a white coat, or not to wear white coat? That is the question…
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009OK, so I’ll make this clear from the start, I do NOT have a problem with the Welsh Assembly Government’s recent announcement to introduce colour-coded uniforms for nurses in NHS Wales. It will undoubtedly help patients identify who’s who. But more importantly here, there needs to be adequate laundry services and sufficient change of clothing [...]
Consultation needed on organ donation debate
Monday, May 11th, 2009The Health Minister’s announcement, to look into changing the law surrounding organ donation in Wales, in particular, the consideration to introducing an opt-out system, is a good move. For many years now we’ve backed the idea of a “soft” opt-out system. There is little doubt that such a system would produce a far higher potential [...]
Concern over readiness for EWTD in the Welsh NHS deepens
Friday, May 8th, 2009My concern about the effects from the implementation of the EWTD (European Working Time Directive) weren’t just confirmed at BMA Cymru Wales’ recent Policy day on the matter – they grew a whole lot deeper. The Directive puts a limit on the working week of 48 hours for all employed doctors, including junior doctors, and [...]
When will we get a change in the law on unmanned tanning salons?
Friday, May 1st, 2009Yet another case in the media of a child suffering horrific burns as a result of using a sunbed at an unmanned salon. I have repeated BMA policy and what we want to see happen to prevent more instances of this countless times on this blog so I won’t recount it all again. But really, [...]
Welsh Pharmacy Awards 2009
Friday, May 1st, 2009Last night I attended the Welsh Pharmacy Awards at Cardiff’s City Hall. This was the first ever event of its kind hosted by the Welsh Chemist Review – a publication for pharmacists produced by Medical Communications Limited, based in Northern Ireland. Similar hosted events take place in Northern Ireland where GPs are also recognised for [...]
Health care professionals prove their worth as Swine Flu takes hold
Friday, May 1st, 2009The current outbreak of Swine Flu in Mexico is now spreading to many other countries including the UK. This is a concern for everyone, including here in Wales. However, we have to put this in perspective and rest assured that all necessary contingency plans, procedures and responses are in place to meet any escalation of [...]