News

Bevan Commission launches ‘silly rules’ initiative to improve care across Wales

Published

1 week ago

November 29, 2024

THE BEVAN COMMISSION, in collaboration with Llais and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) in the United States, has launched the ‘Silly Rules’ initiative to tackle barriers hindering health and social care services in Wales.

The initiative, introduced on November 18, aims to identify outdated or unnecessary processes that obstruct safe and effective care, offering solutions to improve services for all.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES
People, communities, and health and social care staff are encouraged to contribute to the initiative by completing a survey. This will help identify processes that no longer add value and may be creating unnecessary challenges in delivering or receiving care.

Building on the success of the 2016 ‘Breaking the Rules for Better Care’ campaign by Professor Don Berwick, a Bevan Commissioner and healthcare improvement pioneer, this initiative seeks to adapt global lessons to the Welsh context. The original campaign transformed healthcare systems worldwide by addressing inefficiencies, reducing waste, and improving outcomes for both patients and professionals.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR BETTER CARE
Dr. Helen Howson, Director of the Bevan Commission, highlighted the importance of collaboration: “Often the best solutions come from the people who experience health and care services and those working in the system—both those providing and receiving care. We know there are processes and rules that may have made sense at one time but are now outdated, creating unnecessary barriers and frustration.

“By launching the Silly Rules initiative in Wales, we’re giving everyone an opportunity to help identify these. This isn’t just about finding problems—it’s about working together to create practical solutions that make health and care work better for everyone. Building on the success we’ve seen globally, we believe this initiative can transform care delivery in Wales, making it more efficient, responsive, and patient-centered.”

Alyson Thomas, Chief Executive of Llais, echoed this sentiment: “This is a great opportunity for us to join forces with the Bevan Commission to hear your ‘Silly Rules.’ Our unique role in Llais allows us to hear from people across both health and social care, giving us access to a broader range of ideas and experiences. This initiative ensures that people accessing care, along with staff, have a voice in shaping better services.”

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CARE
Findings from the Silly Rules survey will be shared in the first quarter of 2025 with health boards, trusts, social care organisations, and communities across Wales. This collective insight will guide policymakers and leaders in removing unnecessary barriers, improving care outcomes, enhancing staff satisfaction, and ensuring a better experience for everyone.

Health and social care staff, alongside Welsh communities, are encouraged to participate and contribute to these meaningful improvements. Together, we can break down the barriers to better care.

Community

Leisure centres open until 9:00pm to support those affected by Storm Darragh

Published

6 hours ago

December 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE’S Leisure Centres are stepping in to provide essential services for those left without electricity or utilities following Storm Darragh. All centres, except Fishguard, will remain open until 9:00pm on Sunday, December 8, offering warm spaces and more to residents in need.

Facilities available include:

Warm spaces with free hot drinks.
Charging stations for electric devices.
Hot water, with visitors encouraged to bring flasks for filling.
Shower facilities for public use.

Locations and availability Leisure centres in the following areas will remain open:

Crymych
Haverfordwest
Milford Haven
Pembroke
St Davids
Tenby

Fishguard Leisure Centre remains closed due to storm damage. As an alternative, Letterston Memorial Hall will offer limited facilities until 9:00pm.

Normal service resumes tomorrow

From Monday, December 9, all centres will resume their usual opening hours, with the exception of Fishguard, which will remain closed until repairs are completed.

For further updates, visit the Pembrokeshire Leisure website.

(Cover image: Martin Cavaney)

Community

Police advise to check on any vulnerable neighbours and family without power

Published

9 hours ago

December 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE is facing widespread power outages tonight as Storm Darragh wreaks havoc across the region, leaving approximately 7,000 customers without electricity.

Dyfed-Powys Police have issued an urgent appeal for assistance, encouraging communities to check on vulnerable neighbours and family members, particularly the elderly and those with medical needs, if weather conditions allow.

The police have taken the unusual step of asking those in immediate need due to the power outages to contact them directly via 101 or through their social media channels.

In a statement, Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are aware there are significant numbers of people across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys without power. We are asking anyone requiring urgent support to reach out to us. Your welfare is our priority.”

A yellow weather warning remains in place for much of Mid and West Wales, with gusts of wind and heavy rain complicating recovery efforts.

Local authorities are working to address storm damage, including fallen trees and debris blocking roads. Residents are urged to report power cuts by calling 105 and fallen trees through their local council contacts:

Pembrokeshire County Council: 0345 6015522
Carmarthenshire County Council: via their website
Ceredigion County Council: via their website

For updates on travel, weather, and flooding, the following resources are recommended:

Travel: Traffic Wales North & Mid / South
Weather: Met Office
Flood alerts: Natural Resources Wales at 0345 988 1188

As the storm continues, authorities are urging the public to use caution, stay indoors where possible, and only travel if absolutely necessary.

For life-threatening emergencies, always dial 999. For less urgent health concerns, NHS Wales advises using the 111 Wales online symptom checker.

Stay tuned to The Herald for further updates as the situation unfolds.

Community

Councillor visits fire station for electric blanket safety event

Published

9 hours ago

December 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CASTLE WARD County Councillor Thomas Tudor visited Haverfordwest Fire Station on Thursday (Dec 4) to witness a vital safety initiative in action. The fire service hosted a free electric blanket testing event for residents, providing advice on fire protection and prevention.

The initiative aimed to highlight potential fire hazards posed by faulty electric blankets, helping ensure residents stay safe during the colder months. Fire officers also educated attendees on other safety measures, including the importance of carbon monoxide detectors to guard against the dangers of the “silent killer.”

Councillor Tudor described the event as an eye-opening experience, praising the fire service’s commitment to promoting safety and raising awareness within the community.

For those who missed the event, fire safety tips and advice on carbon monoxide monitoring are available on the fire service’s website and through local outreach programs.