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Benefits of clinical trials celebrated

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THE BENEFITS of clinical trials that help develop new and improved ways of treating patients across the world was celebrated in Wales on Tuesday. Clinical trials involve medical research studies that people voluntarily take part in, helping to provide evidence on new ways of treating patients or developing drugs. The trials attempt to improve care for people with conditions such as cancer, mental health, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. They take place in settings across Wales, from GP surgeries, hospitals, care homes and dentists. The day marks the anniversary of what is regarded as the first clinical trial, carried out by naval surgeon James Lind, who set out to find the best treatment for the disease scurvy in 1747. He divided 12 sailors into pairs, with each of the groups receiving a different dietary supplement. His trial showed that adding oranges and lemons to their diet led to an improvement in the condition. Since that trial, research has played a significant role in developing and delivering the best care possible for patients all over the world. Today, across NHS Wales, patients are given the opportunity to take part in high quality clinical trials as a routine part of their care. Patients may be approached about taking part in a clinical trial by their healthcare team but they are also encouraged to speak to their doctor, nurse or consultant to find out more about the trials that may be available to them. Chief Medical Officer for Wales Dr Ruth Hussey said: “At the heart of all clinical trials is a drive to create and develop new, better ways of treating patients. They are about striving to improve care for people with conditions such as cancer, mental health, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. They take place across the NHS in Wales. “There are many different ways that people can take part in this research, from allowing researchers to look at their medical notes to giving a blood sample, filling in a questionnaire to receiving a new treatment. Volunteering to take part in such trials can result in new treatments that could make a real difference to people’s lives.”

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Community

£5.25m Welsh Government funding to benefit unpaid carers

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UNPAID carers in Wales will continue to receive additional support to take well-earned breaks from their caring role, Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden has said.

The Minister has also confirmed funding is being made available to continue support for carers on low incomes to buy essential items.

The Short Breaks Scheme and Carers Support Fund will receive £3.5m and £1.75m respectively for 2025/26 from the Welsh Government.

These schemes are in addition to the duties that local authorities are under to provide appropriate support for carers.

The Short Breaks Scheme is on track to deliver, or exceed, the target of 30,000 additional short break opportunities by March 2025. Its extension will continue to help unpaid carers in Wales take breaks from their responsibilities to support their wellbeing.

The funding can be used, for example, for short holidays, activity days and cinema trips. It can also support carers in pursuing a hobby or sport.

Recent findings suggest only 14% of the adult carers who have benefitted from the scheme had also accessed a break from elsewhere in the last 12 months, demonstrating the crucial role it is playing. 80% of those benefitting from the scheme are providing more than 50 hours of care a week.

The Carers Support Fund provides emergency financial support for unpaid carers of all ages on low incomes to pay for essential items. This could be food, a household item or a utility bill. In addition, the fund also provides information to help people manage finances and ensure they are claiming all benefits and entitlements.

Almost half of unpaid carers accessing the schemes in the past three years were not previously known to services and so the schemes show the significant added value as a gateway to other forms of support.

Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden said: “Unpaid carers play a crucial role in providing care for their family members and friends.

“I am delighted we are providing funding for the coming year to help more unpaid carers take short breaks as there is good evidence they can have a big impact on wellbeing.

“We also know many unpaid carers experience financial pressures because of their caring role and the Carers Support Fund will continue to provide crucial additional assistance for carers on low incomes.”

Carers Trust Director for Wales, Kate Cubbage, said: “We’ve heard from thousands of unpaid carers that the Short Breaks Scheme has given them their first access to a break from caring and that grants through the Carers Support Fund have been essential to keep food on the table and heat in their homes.

“These programmes are needed now more than ever, as costs rise and our partners in health and social care face increasing pressures. Our colleagues in statutory services tell us that modest investments in these transformative programmes make a difference to sustaining carers in their vital caring role and prevent the need for further intervention from acute services.

“As the National Coordinating Body for the Short Breaks Scheme and the organisation leading delivery of the Carers Support Fund, Carers Trust welcomes Welsh Government’s commitment to safeguarding these vital programmes with an assurance of funding for another year.

“This funding will enable local carer organisations and delivery partners to reach thousands more unpaid carers with a much-needed break from caring and with protection from the sharpest end of poverty into 2026.”

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Community

Port issue warning over damage to Milford Beach access route

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THE PORT of Milford Haven has issued a warning regarding a wall collapse on the hot water slip access to Milford Beach.

Residents and visitors are urged to stay clear of the affected area and avoid using this access route while investigations and repairs are carried out.

Please share this message to help ensure public safety.

Thank you.

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Community

Feed the Community Event Attended by Local MS

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SENEDD Member Paul Davies has recently visited the Feed the Community initiative at the Haverhub in Haverfordwest. Feed the Community is supported by Haverfordwest Town Council and organised by Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner and Councillor Dani Thomas-Turner. The project, which supported by several local organisations, invites residents to the Hub where free hot meals are provided and there are free activities to get involved in.

Mr Davies said, “Feed the Community is a fantastic initiative and it’s great to see the local community working together to create these inclusive and welcoming events.”

He added, “It’s a great way for local businesses and charities to engage with residents and build bridges in the community. The event was so well attended, and I was delighted to talk to residents, business representatives and volunteers. The atmosphere at the Hub was very positive and I was delighted to see it all for myself.”

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