I would like to wish all our members and regular observers of my blog a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. 2010 will inevitably bring with it huge challenges to the NHS in Wales, particularly in the light of financial uncertainty and real cuts in funding of public services. However, whatever the New [...]
Archive for December, 2009
Seasons Greetings
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009
Presumed consent: the debate
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009Fervent debate has followed the announcement by Health Minister Edwina Hart last Friday that Wales could move to a system of presumed consent for organ donation. Jonathan Morgan AM has voiced his concern over the announcement. This is what I said in response: “We recognise that the introduction of an opt-out system would be a [...]
Organ Donation in Wales
Friday, December 18th, 2009BMA Cymru Wales is delighted with the announcement that the WAG will explore the possibility of introducing a soft opt out system for organ donation in Wales, and that a bid for a Legislative Competence Order will be submitted. I hope that this brave decision by the Health Minister will mark a small step towards [...]
Responsible drinking
Friday, December 18th, 2009As pubs and clubs are gearing up for one of the busiest nights of the year – widely known as “Black Friday”, BMA Cymru are urging party goers to drink responsibly tonight. Black Friday has become one of the busiest nights of the year for those working in Hospitals and the emergency services in Wales. [...]
BMA Cymru support Julie Morgan MP’s private members bill
Thursday, December 17th, 2009Julie Morgan, MP for Cardiff North has put down a private members bill which would ban under 18’s from using sunbeds, and ensure all sunbed use in England and Wales would be supervised. BMA Cymru are delighted that Julie has chosen to use her bill to close a loophole in law to protect the public [...]
Our booze culture
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009The Western Mail has reported today that the number of people admitted to hospital with alcohol-related conditions has risen by 30% in five years. These figures are unsettling. The population is drinking more and our society is awash with pro-alcohol messaging, marketing and behaviour. Over the festive period, the admissions to A&E for alcohol misuse [...]
Action on aggressive behaviour in A&E
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009I am pleased that the pilot to install CCTV in 4 A&E departments in Wales is being rolled out today and if successful, will be extended across Wales. The Minister is clearly taking action on the violence and aggressive behaviour agenda. BMA Cymru have repeatedly stated that there should be zero tolerance to violence of [...]
Room for improvement
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009Auditor General Jeremy Colman, has today published a report entitled “Unscheduled care: developing a whole systems approach”, which concludes that despite the strengths of the current system, there is work needed to improve the way which services work together. The BMA has been calling for better service integration within the Welsh NHS for a long [...]
Chief Medical Officer for Wales publishes Annual Report
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009Wales’ Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Jewell, has today published his annual report which looks at different methods of prevention to ensure the long-term health of the nation, including immunisation, screening and education. He warns that preventing disease and illness is the key to a healthy future generation. I welcome this report and agree with [...]
You say goodbye and I say hello…..
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009Rhodri Morgan will formally step down as First Minister of Wales today, and I would like to wish him well for the future. After 10 years as the Leader of Wales, Rhodri leaves a great legacy behind him. Under his leadership we have seen devolution take shape and flourish, and his commitment to Wales is [...]