Fans and players come out in support of McPhail

Cardiff City’s Stephen McPhail has been diagnosed with stage one malt lymphoma.

The midfielder will undergo treatment, expected to last for three weeks, with the hope of a return to football by January.

Malt lymphoma is a relatively rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and develops in lymphatic tissue such as the stomach, thyroid glands, lungs or the eyes. It is mostly caused by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori and can be treated by a course of intensive antibiotics.

McPhail has made 10 appearances for Cardiff this season, but was sidelined at the start of the month in the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest with a thigh injury that required surgery.

Bluebirds legend Andy Legg is also cancer survivor. He said: “If he needs me, I’m here. He’s a fit lad; they’ve caught it in the early stages so that’s good news. I wish him all the luck in the world."

McPhail’s midfield teammate Gavin Rae also offered his support, saying: "He’s got everyone’s support here. It certainly puts football into perspective; all the players and staff at the club are rooting for him."

The club have requested that Stephen's privacy is respected during his treatment and recovery but supporters have been pouring in their get-well-soon messages on the club’s message board: www.cardiffcitystadium.co.uk/mb.

By Alex Winter

Alex is a journalism student and the editor of the Gloucestershire cricket blog, The Shire Blog

read more... “Fans and players come out in support of McPhail”

Free gyms for service men and women in the Vale

A scheme offering Service personnel, either living or staying in the area, free use of facilities at Vale of Glamorgan Council leisure and sports centres, has been extended until April 2011.

The council cabinet move follows a six-month trial during which members of the armed services were provided with access to the authority’s extensive and popular leisure facilities.

After hearing from cabinet member for leisure and tourism Cllr Anthony Ernest that a barrier to participation appeared to be difficulties for personnel in obtaining the required ‘formal leave letters,’ the cabinet agreed to accept proof of Armed Services ‘membership’ and the signing of an ‘honesty pledge.’

Cllr Ernest added: "By continuing this scheme, which provides an opportunity for individuals to remain active during leave periods, the council is showing its commitment to the highly valuable and dangerous work being carried out by our Service personnel. It is a small way of thanking them for their duty and dedication."

Full details of the scheme are available on 01446 744770.

read more... “Free gyms for service men and women in the Vale”

Get in shape for Christmas at Abedare gym

If you’re aiming to get slim and trim in time for Christmas, then the Zenith Health and Fitness studio at Michael Sobell Sports Centre, Aberdare, can help you on your way.

Staff at the fitness studio have launched the ‘Christmas calorie countdown’ - a challenge for people to burn off as many calories as possible in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said: “This time of year, people usually want to lose a few inches so they can enjoy the indulgences of the festive season without feeling too guilty!

"Our Christmas calorie countdown is a good way to help people get motivated to lose weight and feel fitter."

Controls are set on the measured sessions, so that a maximum of 1,000 calories are burnt in each class. Participants are advised that they must not reduce their normal calories intake.

Cardiovascular machines, weight machines, body weight exercises, circuit training routines, fitball, abdominal exercises and free weight exercises can all be used during the sessions.

Men and women are invited to join the challenge, which ends on December 14, 2009. For more information, please call the Zenith studio at Michael Sobell Sports Centre, The Ynys, Aberdare, on 01685 874323

Rhondda Cynon Taf’s leisure centres and pools offer a huge range of classes for all ages this winter. To find your nearest centre, go to www.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk and click on leisure facilities, or call Leisure Services on 01443 400563

read more... “Get in shape for Christmas at Abedare gym”

Swine flu vaccine to be offered to children

Children aged over six months and under five years will be offered the swine flu vaccine.

A total of 168,000 children fall into this category in Wales.

Vaccination of people in clinical risk groups under the first phase of the vaccination programme is well under way. Vaccinating these groups remains a priority to protect those at greatest risk from swine flu.

The UK health departments are working with the British Medical Association and NHS organisations to agree the details of how young children will be offered the vaccine once general practitioners (GPs) complete the vaccination of priority groups.

It's expected that children will be offered the vaccine from December. Parents of children who are over six months and under five years should wait to be contacted by their local surgery.

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Tony Jewell, said:

"The four UK Health Ministers have agreed that the second phase of the swine flu vaccination programme should focus on all children aged six months and over and under five years.

"Evidence shows that young children are suffering the greatest overall impact from the disease. They are particularly vulnerable to complications and more likely to become seriously ill and need hospital treatment than other groups. Young children are effective spreaders of the disease and the clinical attack rate is also higher, meaning a greater proportion of children will become ill. Vaccination will mean that fewer children in this age group will become seriously ill and need hospital treatment.

"Vaccination is the simplest, safest and most effective way of protecting people’s health and will help in our efforts to minimise its impact on individuals and communities.

"We expect vaccination to be through GPs, and are exploring with the General Practitioners Committee how best to do this. The programme will begin very shortly once phase one of the vaccination programme targeting the original priority groups is coming to an end. Parents will be contacted by their GP surgery inviting them to have their eligible children vaccinated.

"The approach has been agreed by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (SAGE).

"In addition, advice from the JCVI has suggested that main carers for elderly or disabled people should be an important next group. We will discuss this advice with carers’ organisations, including a number of practical questions, including how to identify and verify the carers involved.

"While the vast majority of people, who contract swine flu, get over it within five to seven days, with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol, some people experience severe complications and even die.

"Sadly, this week, we have seen a further increase in swine flu-related deaths. However, we are aware that a number of these people had been seriously ill for some time. This is a tragedy for the families and friends of the individuals but unfortunately, we have been expecting to see an increase in the number of deaths. This is the same for seasonal flu in the winter.

"Whilst reported cases of swine flu have recently started declining, it is too early to draw any conclusions about the number of future cases."

read more... “Swine flu vaccine to be offered to children”

AMs hail victory in IVF campaign

A campaign for extra IVF funding in Wales which was spearheaded by a Pembrokeshire woman and local AM Angela Burns has won a significant victory.

Kara Ellard from Clynderwen and Mrs Burns have been lobbying for NHS funding for three cycles of IVF – as recommended by NICE guidelines. At present women in Wales can only get one cycle paid for by the NHS.

But at an IVF briefing hosted by Mrs Burns in the Senedd on Tuesday the Welsh Health Minister Edwina Hart announced that women will now get two funded cycles.

"This is a great victory for people power and I can’t praise Kara enough for her hard work and determination in securing a fairer deal for women in Wales," said Mrs Burns.

Mrs Ellard helped collect a 4,000 signature petition calling for parity between Wales and the rest of the UK in IVF funding which Mrs Burns handed to the Assembly Government last month.

Mrs Ellard has spent 12 years and £10,000 trying to get pregnant through IVF. She had seven cycles of treatment before she became pregnant, only one of which was funded by the NHS.

"Getting two cycles funded instead of one is great news and I’m really pleased," she said.

"I think it was definitely public pressure that’s done this. All along we’ve been getting standard letters saying that they were not going to change the system and now they have."

Mrs Burns added: "When the Conservatives held a debate on this issue in July in the Health Minister ruled out changing the system so I am delighted that public pressure has made her change her mind."

However Mrs Burns will continue to fight for funding for the recommended three cycles.

"The evidence shows that giving women three rounds of IVF treatment gives them the best chance of conceiving and that is what women in Wales deserve," she said. "You have a 65 % chance of conceiving with three cycles and only a 50% chance with just two, so although this news will make a big difference, it doesn’t go far enough."

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies also praised Mrs Ellard’s fight.

"She has fought an excellent public campaign to highlight this injustice and I’m delighted that she has secured the extra funding.

"The Welsh Conservatives will continue to press for three funded cycles to bring us into line with the rest of the UK."

Picture: Clynderwen IVF campaigner Kara Ellard is pictured with South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns and Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies at Mrs Burns’ IVF briefing at the Senedd.

read more... “AMs hail victory in IVF campaign”

Healthier school meals on the menu

Healthier school meals are on the menu at Neath Port Talbot schools.

Catering staff at comprehensive schools across the county borough have been having 'SAFFRON' training as part of a School Caterers Network.

The network was set up two years ago to train catering staff to develop their skills and share good practice.

The training, linked in with the Welsh Assembly's document 'Appetite for Life', highlights how to analyse the nutritional content of school meals ensuring that menus are balanced and healthy.

"Staff are to be congratulated for making improvements in secondary school canteens," says Council Leader, Ali Thomas.

"Healthy options will help young people improve their diet and bring better health in future years."

At a presentation ceremony last week, school caterers were given their certificates by the Council's Head of Support Services and Commissioning, Andrew Thomas for completing their training programme.

The network team meet regularly and there are plans in the pipeline to hold awareness days when a community dietician will be invited along to speak to the group.

read more... “Healthier school meals on the menu”

Powys AMs support Tenovus showcase Mobile Cancer Support Unit

Powys Liberal Democrats Kirsty Williams AM and Mick Bates AM have given their support for the Tenovus Mobile Cancer Support Unit, which parked up at the doors of the National Assembly for Wales to welcome Assembly Members on board and raise awareness of the services it delivers across Wales.

Tenovus, Wales’ leading cancer charity, launched the Mobile Cancer Support Unit nine months ago and has so far had 3,000 people on board in 24 locations across Wales. Innovatively designed to deliver cancer services to patients, it is a World’s first, bringing care and support to people in their communities in the form of chemotherapy, practical advice on welfare rights, bereavement support and counselling, health awareness and nutritional advice.

Commenting, Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates states:

“It is a sad fact that each day 46 people in Wales will be told they have cancer. Of that number, 64% of all newly diagnosed cancers occur in people aged 65 years or more, so in rural areas like Montgomeryshire where we have a much older and less mobile population, improving access to primary health care is crucial.

“Against the backdrop of a poor infrastructure and a longer journey to access services, we must look at innovative ways of delivering key services in rural areas to address these growing needs. The Mobile Cancer Support Unit offers an excellent model to provide for an equitable service to rural areas, providing care, support and information as well as treatment at times and locations convenient to patients.”

Brecon and Radnorshire AM, Kirsty Williams, said:

"After months of discussions with Tenovus about the mobile unit it was great to finally get on board and see this amazing bus first hand. The unit is an incredible facility and is very different to what would be expected of a medical treatment centre - it is a much more comforting and relaxed setting, which truly benefits patients going through a very traumatic time. I am determined that Powys benefits from this great provision - even more so now that I have seen it first hand.

“It is terrible that between 2003 and 2007 only 7 of the 671 Powys residents needing chemotherapy received it in county and that the majority of patients had to across the border, travelling on average a 75 mile round trip. The mobile clinic addresses many of the particular challenges facing health provision in rural areas such as ours and I will be working with stakeholders and Tenovus to find ways to fund such a service in Powys."

Claudia McVie, Chief Executive of Tenovus said:

“We are delighted to take the mobile unit to the National Assembly for Wales. It will give Assembly Members an opportunity to see for themselves the breadth of services we offer. At a very difficult time for patients, the mobile unit takes the extra strain of accessing treatment for patients that can involve making long distance journeys, which can be tiring and difficult. It has proved to be an invaluable support service for the patients that use the facility.

“Tenovus is the first to deliver this service to patients, we have single handedly raised the funds for the Mobile Unit and have received excellent feedback from patients and nurses who deliver the services on board. We currently bring care, support and treatment to patients along the M4 corridor; some are in the hardest to reach areas. Tenovus hope to increase the number of units on the road to reach those in rural areas and target Mid and North Wales too, perhaps one day we will have a fleet caring for patients in their communities.”

read more... “Powys AMs support Tenovus showcase Mobile Cancer Support Unit”

Community leaders launch food and fitness for families project

Community Leaders from Penylan, Plasnewydd and Canton celebrated the launch of the Big Lottery funded Food and Fitness for Families Project at Penylan Library and Community Centre on Friday 6th November.

The Food and Fitness for Families Project received £494,000 from the Big Lottery for this three year project under the Way of Life – Healthy Home Tutors model and will be managed through a partnership formed between the Council’s Leisure Services and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

The programme aims to improve the health of 500 families with children aged 12 and under from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities living in Penylan, Plasnewydd and Canton. The participants will be taught about the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise by trained volunteers recruited from their own communities.

Healthy lifestyle advice will initially be given in the comfort of the home before introducing the families to group sessions in local community facilities including schools, community halls and leisure centres.

Community leaders attended the launch to find out how they can support the project through partnership working. Representatives came from all areas of the community, including: Women in Action, Bangladeshi Welfare Association, Islamic Social Services and the Welsh Asian Council. Additionally, the Year 5 class from Albany Road Primary School participated in activity workshops based on physical activity, nutrition and play.

Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said “This programme will have a long term impact on the health and wellbeing of BME communities where there are higher than average instances of obesity, coronary heart disease and diabetes linked to poor diet and a lack of physical activity. The Big Lottery – Way of Life grant will help us to remove some of the barriers to participation for BME families and our partnership with the University of Wales Hospital Dietetic Service will ensure that we are giving clear and consistent advice on the benefits of healthy a diet and regular exercise. Local volunteers will make sure that the programme includes a healthy serving of fun for all the family.”

For further information on how to become a volunteer or to enrol your family onto the project please call 029 2078 8416 or email wayoflife@cardiff.gov.uk.

The Big Lottery Fund distributes half of the National Lottery good cause funding across the UK. The Fund is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need.

Photograph: Front row, left to right: Competition winners from Albany Road Primary School: Raman Mohhamidi, Aarif Noor, Seher Rasul.
Zoe Rogers (Centre Assistant), Councillor Nigel Howells on the smoothie bike Back row, left to right: Jackie Dorrian (Play Development Officer), Nisa Aleem (Community Play Coordinator), Ricky Tyler (Centre Assistant), Michelle Jenkins (Centre Assistant), Helen Nicholls (Community Dietetic Lead, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board), Judyth Jenkins (Head of Dietetic Service, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board).

read more... “Community leaders launch food and fitness for families project”

Clynderwen mum-to-be lobbies for fairer fertility treatment

A Clynderwen mum-to-be who spent 12 years and £10,000 on IVF will tell politicians about her struggle to conceive at a briefing being hosted by local AM Angela Burns.

Kara Ellard is lobbying for parity between Wales and the rest of UK when it comes to NHS funding for IVF treatment.

She has helped to collect a 4,000 signature petition calling on the Welsh Assembly Government to meet NICE guidelines and offer three IVF cycles to women in Wales. Mrs Ellard had seven cycles of treatment before she became pregnant – only one was funded by the NHS.

She has been supported in her fight by South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns who is hosting the meeting in Cardiff tomorrow. (November 17).

“Welsh women are being treated in a shoddy way when it comes to IVF,” says Mrs Burns. “The evidence shows that giving women three rounds of IVF treatment gives them the best chance of conceiving and that is what women in Wales should get.”

The briefing at the Senedd will be addressed by hotel receptionist Mrs Ellard as well as Welsh health minister Edwina Hart, Welsh shadow health minister Andrew Davies and Lyndon Miles who is the Head of Embryology IVF Wales. Clare Lewis Jones MBE, the Chief Executive of Infertility Network UK and Jackie Brown, director of the Natural Health and Fertility Clinic, will also be speaking.

“This briefing is open to anyone with an interest in IVF and I would encourage people to make the trip to Cardiff to listen to what should be a fascinating briefing and to also have their say,” added Mrs Burns.

Photograph: Angela Burns AM receiving the 4,000 signature IVF petition from Kara Ellard (centre) from Clynderwen and her co-organiser Julia Eynon. Mrs Ellard, who is now pregnant after seven IVF cycles, will be speaking at a briefing on the Welsh IVF system being hosted in Cardiff by Mrs Burns.

read more... “Clynderwen mum-to-be lobbies for fairer fertility treatment”

Deputy Mayor opens new-look service for RCT

Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Deputy Mayor has officially opened a new centre providing essential support and training for people suffering with, or recovering from, serious mental illnesses.

Cllr Simon Lloyd was honoured to be asked to conduct the ceremony at Hafal, which currently offers services across Rhondda and Cynon and is looking to expend into Taff Ely in the near future.

Previously, Hafal in Rhondda was based in Mountain Ash, with a separate facility on the Aberaman Industrial Estate for Cynon. However, both services have now merged into one on the existing Aberaman site, offering a more coordinated facility for users.

Hafal, a registered charity that is funded and supported by Cwm Taf Local Health Board, offers vital services in the rehabilitation and future prosperity of those who have suffered, or are suffering, from serious mental illness.

Hafal, meaning equal, aims to give people aged 18 and over the skills, confidence, training and opportunities needed to:

• Achieve a better quality of life
• Fulfil their ambitions for recovery
• Fight discrimination
• Enjoy equal access to care, housing, education, income and employment.

Those benefiting from the services at Hafal in Rhondda and Cynon are usually referred to the charity by their social worker or community psychiatric nurse.

However, those who feel they could also benefit from Hafal are urged to make contact, but will be subject to an assessment from the Community Mental Health Team to ensure they will get what they need from the service.

Many clients visit the service daily, while others attend once a week, taking advantage of sessions including IT training, confidence building, an allotment where healthy food is grown and then cooked, employment training, carpentry, arts and crafts and more.

There is also general support both for clients and their carers.

Project Manager Joseph Davies, said: “Hafal offers vital services that make a real difference to the recovery and future life quality of those with serious mental illnesses, which is why we are so keen to continue improving and expanding.

“Basing the Rhondda and Cynon branches in the same centre means better, more efficient services for our customers. We are also looking forward to providing similar services and support in Taff Ely in the near future.

“People who wish to find out more about us and what we offer can do so by visiting www.hafal.org”.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Simon Lloyd added: “It was an honour to be invited to attend this exciting opening and see for myself the work that is going on to assist people to create a better way of life for themselves and their families.

“Hafal means equal and I was very impressed by the variety and range of services on offer to ensure people who do suffer from serious mental illness have equality when it comes to the things so many of us take for granted, such as education, employment, housing and income.”

For more information, visit www.hafal.org or contact 01685 884918

read more... “Deputy Mayor opens new-look service for RCT”

AM backs diabetes plans

Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates, pictured with diabetes sufferer Melanie Stephenson, attended a joint event hosted by Diabetes UK Cymru and the Diabetes Peer Support Programme at the Assembly to mark World Diabetes Day.

The event was held at the Assembly’s Ty Hywel building in Cardiff on Wednesday 11 November in advance of World Diabetes Day on Saturday November 14. During the two-hour event, Mr Bates AM heard about both charities’ work and also had the chance to talk to people living with diabetes.

Diabetes UK Cymru provides advice, information and support for people with diabetes and their relatives and also funds vital research into the condition. The pioneering Diabetes Peer Support Programme helps and advises people living with diabetes in Rhondda Cynon Taff, Merthyr Tydfil and Caerphilly.

Attending the event also enabled Mr Bates AM to pledge his support for raising awareness about the condition, which is increasing rapidly across Wales.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Mick Bates said: "I was delighted to attend the event hosted by Diabetes UK Cymru and the Diabetes Peer Support Programme.

"More than 6,200 people have now been diagnosed with diabetes in Powys and a further 1,200 have the condition but don’t yet know it.

"The event for World Diabetes Day was a chance to raise awareness about the condition and to talk about what’s being done in Wales to support people living with diabetes."

Dai Williams, National Director of Diabetes UK Cymru, said: "We were really pleased that Mr Bates AM attended the event.

"Diabetes is rising rapidly in Wales with more than 230 more people being diagnosed with the condition in Powys in the last year alone.

"We need to do everything we can to stop the ticking timebomb of Type 2 diabetes in Wales and the World Diabetes Day event was the perfect chance to address what can be done."

Wendy Gane MBE, coordinator of the Diabetes Peer Support Programme, said: "The number of people being diagnosed with diabetes is increasing every year and we need to ensure that people with diabetes, their families and carers have access to patient education.

"This will enable them to make informed choices about the self management of their condition.

"World Diabetes Day gives both organisations the opportunity of raising awareness of the issues that affect children, young people and adults with diabetes across Wales."

read more... “AM backs diabetes plans”

Angela Burns visits Shalom House

South Pembrokeshire Angela Burns AM is pictured during a fact-finding visit to Shalom House hospice in St Davids.

After chatting to staff, Mrs Burns was given a tour of the premises, including the new “home from home” facilities for residential care.

“I was told how Shalom has looked after more than 80 patients from all over the county since it opened two years ago,” said Mrs Burns, “and about their hopes to provide 24-hour respite care for patients from the new year.".

Also pictured are Margaret Burnett, founder of Shalom House, and Medical Director Dr Rob Jones.

read more... “Angela Burns visits Shalom House”

Pembrokeshire schools need bike racks to encourage kids to excerise

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies is pressing for more local secondary schools to provide bike racks for pupils so they can cycle to school.

If schools did more to encourage cycling it would not only help pupils to stay fit but would also help to ease traffic congestion, he says.

But Mr Davies, who is also shadow Welsh education minister, has heard from parents who won’t send their kids to school by bike because there’s nowhere dry and secure for them to leave their cycles.

Mr Davies tackled the First Minister on the subject in the Senedd this week.

“One way of promoting healthy living among schoolchildren is to encourage them to walk and cycle to school,” he said.

“But it appears that many schools do not provide space to store bicycles while the pupils are at school.”

He is now lobbying the Welsh Assembly Government to give guidance to local education authorities to encourage schools to ensure that bike storage is available.

“It’s extremely frustrating to think that children are willing to cycle to school but are being put off by a basic lack of facilities,” said Mr Davies.

read more... “Pembrokeshire schools need bike racks to encourage kids to excerise”

Talking careers in psychology

Young people who are interested in a career in psychology are being given a unique opportunity to find out more about the profession at a special event being held at City Hall in Cardiff.

An insight day has been arranged by the British Psychological Society, in partnership with Cardiff Council and Careers Wales Education Business Partnership, for people aged between 16 and 19.

Taking place on Tuesday, November 24 from 9.30am to 3.30pm, the event will look at a variety of careers and specialisms within psychology.

Psychologists will speak throughout the day and answer questions on their different specialisms.

Among the speakers will be Dr. Ruth Paradice who will explain the work of educational psychologists and their work with children, with educational psychologists from Cardiff Council available to answer questions on their work. Dr Katie Thirlaway will give an insight into how psychological principles are used to promote changes in people's attitudes,
behaviour and thinking about health and illness and Dr Richard Neil will talk about the work of sport psychologists with both teams and individuals from amateur to elite levels of competition.

Nic Bowes will also give a fascinating insight into how forensic psychologists work on criminal investigations and try to understand psychological problems associated with criminal behaviour and the treatment of criminals.

Other talks include Dr. Alyson Smith who will explain how clinical psychologists work with mental and physical health problems such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems,
addictions and relationships; Dr. John Boddy who will focus on occupational psychologists and how they work with organisations and Dr. Mike Dunn who will give a summary on the research and teaching element of psychology. There will also be an opportunity to hear about the experiences of a current psychology student so people can get a feel for what an undergraduate psychology degree may involve.

Places are limited so if you are interested in attending, please contact Deborah Fry for an application form by email EBP@cardiff.gov.uk or telephone 2087 3789 by Friday, November 13.

read more... “Talking careers in psychology”

AM hosts briefing on fertility funding fight

Angela Burns AM is hosting a free open briefing on Welsh fertility funding on Tuesday, November 17, at Ty Hywel in Cardiff Bay.

The briefing explains the Welsh fight for full implementation of the NICE guidelines 2004 promoting NHS funding for 3 full IVF cycles.

Speakers are: Edwina Hart AM, Minister for Health and Social Services; Angela Burns AM, Welsh Conservatives; Andrew Davies AM, Shadow Minister for Health and Social Services;Kara Ellard, IVF Patient ; Lyndon Miles, Head of Embryology IVF Wales; Clare Lewis Jones MBE, Chief Executive of Infertility Network UK; Jackie Brown, Director of the Natural Health and Fertility Clinic.

The briefing is from 6pm to 8pm in conference room 24 and anyone interested is welcome to attend - please register with Sophie Williams, sophie.williams@wales.gov.uk or call 02920 898384.

read more... “AM hosts briefing on fertility funding fight”

Get the jab reminds Wrexham Am

Wrexham's AM, Lesley Griffiths, has today urged priority groups in the town to get vaccinated against swine flu.

Pregnant women, people with chronic conditions and those in contact with people with weakened immune systems are currently being invited by their GP practices to be vaccinated.

They are being seen first because they are most at risk from swine flu and its complications. Frontline health and social care workers are also being vaccinated.

Commenting, Lesley Griffiths AM said:

"I would urge all those eligible for the vaccine to take up the option as soon as possible.

"The vaccine has been tested and approved and is the best way to protect people from the virus.

"I would like to see a 100% take-up of the vaccine to protect communities in Wrexham and across Wales.

"For those not yet entitled to the vaccine the advice is to stay at home if you have flu-like symptoms.

"You can check the symptoms by calling the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513."

read more... “Get the jab reminds Wrexham Am”

Cardiff's healthy city initiative will tackle obesity

Cardiff has become the first Welsh city to be given World Health Organization (WHO) Healthy Cities status joining only seven other cities in the United Kingdom .

Achievement of the award is being seen as an important step in ensuring Cardiff continues to develop as one of the best places to live in the country and provides a real opportunity for a range of agencies working across the city to improve the health and well being of local people.

The Council, with NHS and partners recognised that good health is our greatest asset and together they identified the Healthy Cities approach as the way forward to create a healthier Cardiff.

Applying for 'Healthy City' status was supported by Cardiff's Proud Capital Vision Forum, with the Cardiff Health Alliance acting as the lead partnership. The application involved a range of partners working together to develop a portfolio for submission, outlining existing and new projects being run across Cardiff, designed to improve everyone's health and tackle the health inequalities experienced by some members of the community. However, this is not something the Council and Health Service can do alone.

Everybody and every organisation need to be involved and share the responsibility for good health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle In achieving designation as a Healthy City and becoming part of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network, Cardiff Council has pledged that health will be a key part of the Council's agenda.

Cardiff Council Executive Member for Health, Social Care and Well Being, Councillor John Dixon, said: "Joining the Healthy Cities Network isn't recognition that everyone in Cardiff is now healthy - it's a promise that physical, mental and emotional health is a priority for all of us. It brings together all of the strands of work of the Council - economic, environment, social and education - and integrates them with the work of the Health Service, the Police, the voluntary and private sectors.

"We plan to start the Healthy City programme by addressing the issue of obesity through the Healthy City. Obesity is potentially the next big killer, which can leave people with chronic health problems like diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, as well as increasing risks from heart disease and strokes. Our answer can't be to just treat people through the NHS and send them home again, but rather to design our city, educate people and provide opportunities that stop people developing these problems in the first place.

"That means that whatever services we plan and deliver both individually, and together, we have to have an eye on what the effect will be on improving the health, and reducing health inequalities in the city."

"I am delighted that Cardiff is the first city in Wales to achieve WHO Healthy Cities status. This gives us an opportunity to share what we learn with other Welsh Councils; the achievement will send out positive messages, and will enable us to share our ideas and experiences across Wales and Europe." David Francis, Chair of the new Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said.

"The UHB would be taking an active role in supporting the work that will now get underway as part of the Healthy City programme. The University Health Board has put the health and well being agenda at the heart of the business. Our focus isn't just on providing treatment and care when people fall ill. We need to work with partners to improve everyone's health, encouraging people to adopt healthy lifestyles and prevent them becoming ill.

"Achieving Healthy City status is testament to the dedication and hard work of a committed group of people who are genuinely striving towards improving the health and well being of everyone in Cardiff. This recognition is no mean feat and now provides us with an exciting platform from which to move forward, building on our successes to-date."

Dr Stephen Monaghan, Local Public Health Director for Cardiff, NPHS, commented, "Cardiff is a tale of 'two cities', being home to some of the least and most deprived wards in Wales. We know that it can be more difficult for communities and individuals who experience economic and social disadvantage to make healthy lifestyle choices and we hope that the Healthy Cities approach will provide us with a really exciting opportunity to work together to create healthier places for the people of Cardiff to live, work and learn."

Dr. Tony Jewell, Chief Medical Officer Welsh Assembly Government said, "I am delighted by the news and feel that local authorities across Wales will be keen to learn best practice from this initiative. It is the kind of development which supports our aspirations for Our Healthy Future" strategic framework and Health Challenge Wales."

The Healthy Cities status will be officially launched in January; the event will bring together key organisations to develop a Healthy Cities plan for the city.

read more... “Cardiff's healthy city initiative will tackle obesity”

AM happy with ambulance car cuts u-turn

A U-turn on cuts to Pembrokeshire’s volunteer car ambulance service has been welcomed by Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies.

The service relies on an army of volunteers to ferry patients without cars or access to public transport to and from hospital.

But it was told at one point that it would have to dramatically reduce its mileage because it was giving more lifts than it was contracted to provide.

Now bosses have decided that it can continue operating as it was before.

“I am delighted that this vital service is now back on track,” said Mr Davies.

“In the first week of the reduced service, forty hospital journeys had to be cancelled. If that had continued it would have had a severe impact on Pembrokeshire residents.

“We are talking about scores of people who rely on the service to get to hospital for such life-saving treatments as dialysis.

“This whole situation seems to have been a bit of a muddle with the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust blaming a lack of communication for the sudden reduction.

“However I now hear that things are back to the way they were before and I’m happy that the volunteer drivers and their clients no longer have this uncertainty hanging over them.”

read more... “AM happy with ambulance car cuts u-turn”

AM calls for action on obesity

Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has called for more support to tackle obesity in Wales as figures show that 57% of adults are classed as overweight.

Commenting on the figures, Welsh Liberal Democrat Mick Bates said: "It is good news that child obesity in England is levelling off. However, in Wales we have some of the highest rates of childhood obesity and we are the fattest nation in the UK, with 57% of adults classed as overweight or obese.

"Welsh Government figures for last year show that there were over 540 referrals for obesity surgery that year, but only 94 cases for treatment were approved and 50 are still in treatment at two hospital trusts in England.

"I am deeply concerned that the criteria for treatment are too strict, as too many patients are referred for treatment and then declined. The cost of continuing care for patients who suffer from related issues such as failing joints or mental health far outweighs the cost of timely intervention, so it is crucial to take address to address this problem as early as possible.

"It is vital that we see strong action to improve the provision of bariatric treatment in Wales, so that more patients are given support and not referred to England or declined treatment altogether but receive better care here in Wales."

read more... “AM calls for action on obesity”

Caring for carers in Cardiff and Vale

Many people rely on a carer for support and the biggest worry for carers is how the family member who relies on them would cope if anything happened to their carer.

Social services care staff at both the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff Councils had heard these worries from carers they work with and they decided to do something to help.

As a result they decided to introduce ‘Carers Emergency Cards’, credit sized cards that carers carry at all times. If something should happen to a carer, such as an accident or sudden illness, the card alerts the emergency services that there is someone who relies on the carer who cannot manage without help. All the person finding the card in the carer’s purse or wallet needs to do is telephone the number on the card and quote the card’s number.

Social services will hold emergency contact details taken when the carer registers for the scheme and with a brief phone call can arrange help for the person who is looked after by the carer.

Councillor Dorothy Turner, Vale council cabinet member for social services, said: "The Carers Emergency Card is a joint initiative between the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Cardiff Council. We’ve introduced the scheme in direct response to carers telling us that one of their biggest concerns is what would happen to the person they care for if they are not around.

"All carers need to do is register the details of the person they care for and give us contacts for three people who are willing and able to stand in for the carer in an emergency. If they do not have people to stand in for them our social services teams will be alerted and they can make arrangements."

Cllr Judith Woodman, Cardiff Council carers champion, commented: "Carers have told us that they want to know that the person they care for will be looked after if there is an emergency which leaves them unable to get home or make alternative arrangements. The scheme will help carers think about what support the person they care for would need in an emergency and who they would like to provide that support. We hope that by operating this scheme, it gives peace of mind and helps to alleviate some of the stress for those carers who tirelessly care for their loved ones."

Carers can register for the scheme following a carer’s assessment. To ask for a carers assessment phone the relevant number for your council - Vale of Glamorgan Council: Contact OneVale 01446 700111. Cardiff Council: Contact & Assessment Team 029 2053 6444. Carers who have had a carer’s assessment in the last six months should contact the person who completed their assessment, or the carers officer for their council. If you live in the Vale contact 01446 704604 or email kisaac@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk and for Cardiff contact 029 2087 3631 or email carers@cardiff.gov.uk.

read more... “Caring for carers in Cardiff and Vale”