News
NHS increasing its focus on quality and safety
THE NHS is taking significant steps towards ensuring better quality of care and improved measures of safety – that was the main message from NHS Wales Chief Executive David Sissling as he published his second annual report.
Achievements during 2012/13 include:
publication of new data on hospital mortality and hospital infection rates, helping to provide more transparent information to the public and drive up standards across the NHS;
all seven Welsh Local Health Boards and three Trusts now publishing Annual Quality Statements to report to the public on progress with the quality and standard of the services they provide;
a new dedicated website for patient safety providing information on how well each NHS Wales organisation is doing with implementing over 70 measures (safety solutions) designed to improve safety and quality of care; current data shows the NHS is doing well with 100 per cent compliance in many areas;
continuation of the 1000 Lives Plus quality programme, including introduction of a new system to alert staff if a patient’s health is deteriorating and prevent deaths from sepsis;
continued progress in reducing healthcare associated infections over the last year, including a 10 per cent reduction in C.difficile infections and19 per cent in MRSA infections;
continued improvements in reducing admissions related to coronary heart disease (-5.5 per cent), and diabetes (-3.5 per cent);
high satisfaction levels with NHS services – 84 per cent satisfaction with treatment in A&E departments and 92 per cent satisfaction with care by a GP
the fastest rate of improvement since 1993 across the UK for cancer survival rates; and
delivering financial balance.
In his second annual report, David Sissling described the year as being “defined by three issues”.
He said: “Firstly, our response here in Wales to the Francis report has meant an assessment of the safety and quality of our services and the introduction of measures in response.
“NHS Wales is the envy of much of the UK in terms of its focus on quality and safety. We are introducing more mechanisms to detect risks or problems before they occur, publishing more performance data to be more transparent to patients and drive improvement across the service, and also continuing to pioneer innovative programmes on raising quality of care.
“Secondly, throughout Wales our Health Boards have gone to public consultation regarding proposed changes in service delivery models. Some of the proposals represent a significant adjustment to much cherished local services, and that is why an effective and thorough process of engagement with our staff and the public has been so important. But one thing is clear and that is that changes have to be made to ensure our services are sustainable and able to respond to the many challenges faced by healthcare across Wales.
“Finally, the pressures experienced by the NHS in Wales during the winter period saw an unprecedented demand on our urgent and emergency care services and meant the re-direction of resources towards the increased demand. This in turn, of course, led to pressures on other parts of the service. We have been able to learn from these experiences and we are now planning for the rest of 2013 and the next three years.
“Reducing emergency and general hospital admissions is therefore a priority. The number of emergency and general admissions and readmissions has an effect on a hospital’s ability to deliver its non-urgent surgery, as resources are taken up in caring for the unplanned admissions. The trend during the previous years continued with fewer admissions related to coronary heart disease and diabetes, and fewer readmissions related to both coronary heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.”
David Sissling added: “This has been a challenging year indeed, but I must pay tribute to all the hard work of NHS staff in the face of all that they have been required to do. Their dedication and commitment is exceptional and I am grateful to them and to the many volunteers whose invaluable contributions are often unseen.
“I want the NHS in Wales to be on an upward curve in terms of continual improvement in the services it delivers. There will be more challenges to come but if we continue to put our aim for first class patient care at the centre of our day-to-day plans, side by side with the committed and dedicated NHS workforce that we have in place, then we will get ever closer to the type of healthcare that we would all wish to see and experience here in Wales.”
Industry gears up for MEW2025 as policy, innovation and investment align
WALES is rapidly becoming a powerhouse in marine renewable energy, with the sector seeing a surge in momentum ahead of the UK’s largest dedicated marine energy conference, MEW2025, set to take place in Cardiff this May.
The two-day event at the All Nations Centre (May 7–8) will bring together over 400 delegates, including developers, investors, policymakers and innovators, all working to harness the power of tides, waves, and floating offshore wind.
Marine Energy Wales (MEW), the organisation behind the event, has confirmed a packed programme of speakers and panels. The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan MS, will deliver a keynote address on Day One, signalling the Welsh Government’s commitment to driving forward the green energy transition.
Tidal power potential recognised
The Severn Estuary Commission has this month published final recommendations backing the feasibility of tidal range energy in the Severn. The report calls for immediate government support to develop the industry, establish a commercial demonstration project, and unlock private investment through a clear financial framework.
The report recommends a public sector-led Project Delivery Vehicle and improved regional management to ensure environmental and commercial viability.
Floating wind and tidal tech on the rise
MEW2025’s programme will explore the cutting edge of floating offshore wind, as well as new technologies in tidal stream energy. Sessions such as Turning the Tide: Scaling Tidal Energy in Wales Today and Floating Stepping Stones: Doing it for the Region will offer insights into commercialisation and scaling of Welsh marine renewables.
Research and development also remains central. Projects such as META (Marine Energy Test Area) in Pembrokeshire continue to break ground, with sessions at the conference reflecting key R&D milestones and practical deployments.
Empowering communities
A new Marine Energy Engagement Toolkit was launched at the Senedd on March 18, spearheaded by Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum and supported by MSs including Sam Kurtz and Joyce Watson. The toolkit aims to empower communities across Pembrokeshire and beyond, ensuring that residents can meaningfully engage with the changes and opportunities brought by marine renewables.
By providing accessible information and creating space for dialogue, the initiative hopes to bridge the gap between developers and the communities they affect.
Investment on the horizon
The Crown Estate Act 2025, which recently received Royal Assent, grants new powers to borrow and invest up to £1.5 billion over 15 years. This could be a game-changer for marine energy in Wales, enabling strategic investment in technology, infrastructure and supply chains.
With additional commissioners joining The Crown Estate Board, the focus will be on delivering environmental, social, and financial value – a shift welcomed by the sector.
Opportunities for Welsh industry
The Empower Cymru conference this month saw Net Zero Industry Wales outline its vision for a Welsh chapter of the UK Industrial Strategy. The plan positions Wales as a cornerstone of the UK’s clean energy future, citing a strong pipeline of value-for-money projects ready to deliver.
Meanwhile, Morlais, the tidal stream energy project off Anglesey, has been shortlisted for a prestigious Green Energy Award in the Net Zero Developer category – another sign of the sector’s growing national significance.
Final call for exhibitors and sponsors
With limited space remaining, MEW2025 organisers are urging businesses and organisations to secure their place. Exhibition packages include full branding opportunities, event passes and speaking slots for major sponsors. Artwork must be submitted by April 17.
Tickets are also still available for those looking to attend and connect with the growing network shaping the future of marine energy in Wales and across the UK.
MUSIC lovers can enjoy a wonderful evening of entertainment at Ysgol Greenhill in Tenby next week, featuring talent straight from the West End.
The Denmark Street Big Band will headline the evening on Friday April 4.
The musical extravaganza also marks the launch of the Ysgol Greenhill Theatre to further promote and support the arts at the school and showcase the talents of young people.
The Denmark Street Big Band are a throwback to when exciting big bands electrified audiences and recreates the swinging sounds made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin among many others.
Having performed regularly on the London music circuit, the Denmark Street Band brings its show to Greenhill and will take to the stage with local favourites Tenby Male Voice Choir as part of the Choir’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
A special West End guest will also join the Choir to perform.
The event is also an opportunity to showcase incredible school talent and provide an opportunity for pupils to play alongside professional performers.
A further highlight will be a sneak preview of the return this summer of a major school production, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
This will be the first school production in six years and preparations are in full swing.
The event takes place at Ysgol Greenhill on Friday April 4 from 7pm. Ticket prices are £18 for adults and £16 for concessions.
For tickets, see https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ and search Ysgol Greenhill or contact the school on 01834 840100.
Temporary disruption to services between 8th–28th May
PEMBROKESHIRE Libraries will be upgrading to a new library management system this spring. The switch will affect services between Wednesday, 8th May and Tuesday, 28th May, with temporary disruption to the systems that manage library membership, customer accounts, book loans, item details, and access to digital services.
During this time, the current system will be replaced by a temporary platform provided by the new supplier. While core borrowing services will continue, other services such as:
- Book reservations and requests
- Access to the online catalogue
- Use of self-service machines
…will be unavailable until the transition is complete.
Normal service is expected to resume from Wednesday, 28th May, as libraries begin using the new system.
A new all-Wales library system
Pembrokeshire Libraries has joined the all-Wales Public Library Service consortium, supported by grant funding from the Welsh Government. The change in supplier will not only improve the quality of service for customers but also reduce costs.
Benefits of the new system include:
- A more user-friendly online catalogue
- Better account management tools
- Easier access to e-books, audiobooks, and digital resources
- A new events calendar for library users
There are no plans to close any libraries, including the Mobile Library and Library at Home service, during the transition. However, unstaffed access (Open Plus) at Narberth and Neyland libraries will be unavailable until the upgrade is complete.
You can still borrow books during the changeover, but you must bring your library card, as staff will be unable to access your details manually.
Loan extensions and overdue charges
- Loan due dates between 8th May and 14th June will automatically be extended to Monday, 16th June (or your next library open day).
- No overdue fines will be charged during this period.
- Any existing fines or charges will be carried over to the new system.
- Up to two years of your loan history will be transferred. If you wish to download your full loan history, you must do so by Tuesday, 7th May, via the library webpage:
www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/libraries-and-culture
Statement from the Council
Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “There will be some disruption to library services as we switch over to the new management system. As our library staff learn new skills, there may also be temporary issues with e-resources, so we kindly ask for your patience.
If customers remember to bring their library card, they can still borrow books as normal. From Wednesday, 28th May, we’ll start using the new and improved system.”
Key dates to remember
- Tuesday, 9th April
Last day to place reservations, stock requests, or inter-library loan requests (including Reading Groups). - Tuesday, 7th May
Last day to use self-service machines and Open Plus unstaffed access.
Final day for courtesy and overdue notices to be sent. - 8th May – 14th June
No items will be due back during this period. All loans will be extended to Monday, 16th June (or next working day). - Wednesday, 28th May
Expected start of new system roll-out (depending on each library’s opening days).
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