News

AM discusses doctor training

Published

12 years ago

January 23, 2014

REBECCA EVANS AM has attended a workshop to ensure that doctor training in Wales delivers a workforce with the skills that meet the needs of both the public and NHS.

The workshop was led by the Wales Deanery, the body whose responsibility it is to commission, quality assure and support the education and training of trainees, hospital doctors, GPs, and dentists in Wales.

The workshop came in response to the Greenaway Review.

Mrs Evans explained: “In 2011, it was agreed that Professor David Greenaway, the Vice Chair of Nottingham University, should act as independent Chair of an expert group which would consider and make recommendations on various aspects of doctor training. These aspects included workforce needs and the balance between specialists and generalists, the breadth and scope of training, and patient needs.”

Professor Greenaway issued a report towards the end of last year, making nineteen recommendations.

The Wales Deanery held the workshop to explore the implications of the report and recommendations for Wales.

Mrs Evans said: “The report makes some interesting recommendations in terms of delivering a workforce in future where doctors have a wider base of general skills enabling them to treat a greater range of patients safely and effectively.

“The current model of medical training is based on a high degree of specialisation and sub-specialisation of medical practice – there are more than 60 specialities and 35 sub-specialities. This model means that the workforce is heavily weighted towards specialisation, but what we need are more generalists – particularly, it could be argued, in Wales’ more rural hospitals.

“The report also suggests moving to a model where doctors specialise based on the identified needs of the local population and the NHS. This is a real shift from the current practice which is led by individuals’ own preferences which do not necessarily best meet the health needs of the public.”

The Greenaway Review is a UK-wide piece of work. A key recommendation of the review was that “There should be immediate consideration to set up a UK-wide Delivery Group to take forward the recommendations in this report and to identify which organisations should lead on specific outcomes.”

Mrs Evans said “I understand that there is already a four-nation approach to this, which should be welcomed. Wales’ Heath Minister, Mark Drakeford, is the only one of the four Health Ministers so far to have formally responded to the report – I am glad we are leading the way.”

Climate

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum project endorsed as UN Ocean Decade Activity

Published

47 minutes ago

November 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Climate adaptation toolkit joins global sustainability programme

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM (PCF) has announced that its Climate Adaptation Toolkit for Coastal Communities has been officially endorsed as a United Nations Ocean Decade Activity, recognising the project’s contribution to international efforts to build a more sustainable relationship with the world’s oceans.

The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), coordinated by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, brings together organisations across the globe to generate and share knowledge that can support resilient and sustainable coastal futures. Endorsed activities contribute to one or more of the Decade’s ten scientific and societal challenges.

PCF’s Climate Adaptation Toolkit is designed to help coastal communities prepare for the realities of climate change. The project provides accessible information, guidance and learning materials for local authorities, educators and community groups as they plan for coastal erosion, flooding, sea-level rise and other long-term environmental pressures.

Running from December 2025 to March 2026, the project will use online learning resources, case studies and engagement sessions to increase understanding of how climate change is already affecting the coastline, and what practical steps communities can take to adapt.

Jetske Germing, Managing Director of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, said: “We’re honoured that the Climate Adaptation Toolkit has been recognised as part of the United Nations Ocean Decade. This endorsement highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in tackling coastal challenges, and reflects our ongoing commitment to building resilient, sustainable coastal communities.”

The endorsement places the toolkit within an international network of projects working towards the UN Decade’s vision of “the science we need for the ocean we want”.

PCF’s involvement adds to Wales’ growing profile in the field of coastal sustainability. The organisation’s wider programme of work includes Marine Renewable Energy, Sustainable Recreation, Education and Skills, Water Quality, and Land Use — all centred on its vision of a sustainable coast and ocean for future generations.

Further information about the UN Ocean Decade can be found on the initiative’s website.

Crime

Youth given conditional discharge for smashing pub windows

Published

56 minutes ago

November 13, 2025

Court Reporter

A TEENAGER has been handed a conditional discharge after admitting damaging windows at a Pembroke pub last year.

A 17-year-old boy from Pembroke Dock, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 13).

The court heard that on April 10, 2024, he damaged several windows at a premises owned by Marston’s PLC, causing £1,002 worth of damage.

He received a six-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £500 compensation. Magistrates made no order for costs, noting that compensation should take priority.