Health

Wales’ ambitious aim to offer all eligible adults a booster by end of the year

Published

3 years ago

December 14, 2021

FIRST MINISTER Mark Drakeford last night set out Wales’ aim to offer all eligible adults an appointment for a booster vaccine by the end of December.
Urgent plans are being put in place to further accelerate the booster programme as new evidence has emerged showing two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are not enough to offer protection against the new omicron variant.
But the booster dose is vital in improving protection against the fast-moving variant.
In a televised message to Wales, the First Minister said: “We must be prepared for omicron cases to rise quickly and very steeply – just as they have in other parts of the UK.

The NHS in Wales is being put on high alert due to fears over the Omicron variant

“We are still learning about this new form of coronavirus. All the information we have tells us we are facing a very serious situation. By the end of the month, omicron will have become the dominant form of the virus in Wales, bringing a new wave of infections and illness.
“This could then translate into a large number of people needing hospital treatment just at a time when the NHS is already under significant pressure. The Welsh Government will do everything we can to protect people’s health and keep Wales safe.
“New evidence has emerged about the effectiveness of our vaccines against omicron. Two doses of the vaccine is simply not enough to give the level of protection against the infection we all need. We have already increased the speed of the roll-out of our booster programme. New clinics have been opened and operating hours extended. Urgent efforts are now underway to accelerate the programme even further so we can offer all eligible adults an appointment by the end of this year if possible.
“Please make getting a booster a priority, as it is the single of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against coronavirus and this new variant.”
The First Minister added: “None of us wanted to hear the news of a new omicron variant. After almost two long years of the pandemic, we had all hoped that we could put coronavirus behind us this Christmas. Unfortunately, we are once again facing a serious and worsening situation. But, we have faced challenges many times during this pandemic.
“We can once again pull together to look out for each other – for friends, family and neighbours – to protect each other and keep ourselves safe and well. We have already taken some steps to increase protections in Wales and we may need to take some further steps to keep Wales safe.”
Commenting, Welsh Conservative and Shadow Health Minister Russell George MS said: “Whilst it is encouraging that all indications show Omicron is a milder form of the virus, it is more transmissible and it’s clear booster jabs are a vital defence against the variant. Therefore, it is essential that government infrastructure is geared up to deliver boosters on a war-like scale.

The military as well as volunteers will be assisting the NHS deliver ‘shots into arms’

“The system clearly needs to be modernised to introduce more dynamism and flexibility like online booking systems, especially considering the numerous questions over how normalised regular jabs are going to become.
“After heeding our calls for walk-in centres and reactivation of the volunteer army, Labour’s Health Minister should now extend the hours during which people are vaccinated, making greater use of community pharmacists, reopening mass vaccination centres, and prioritising boosters over jabs for teenagers.
“We do not need more restrictions if a critical mass of people get their jabs. There is a duty on all those eligible to get their vaccination and the Labour Government has a responsibility to deliver the rollout rapidly. A free society and an open economy depend on it.”
The Welsh Liberal Democrats welcomed the accelerated vaccine booster targets but have also called for greater support to be provided to the hospitality industry over the winter.
Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS stated: “I welcome the Welsh Government’s new target to offer every adult a booster vaccine by the end of December, vaccinations remain the best way out of this crisis.
“However, we would also like to see more financial support offered to hospitality firms being hit by reduced footfall due to concerns over Omicron. Despite no lockdown being in place pubs and restaurants are concerned about a drop off in trade during what is usually their busiest time of year, following fresh work-from-home guidance.
“Firms have already paid for stock for the Christmas period in the wake of supply chain disruptions. Much of this can’t be stored for the future, and even the small proportion that can will cause immediate cash flow disruption in already struggling businesses.”

A technician uses a single channel pipette dropper to test for Omicron

GMB Union said it encourages everyone to get their booster – but says frontline workers need a pay boost too.
Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary, said: “There has been no respite for our frontline workers throughout the covid pandemic.
“They’ve put themselves in harm’s way to serve the public – particularly when governments and employers failed to ensure the provision of proper PPE and testing to keep them safe at work.
“GMB members know the importance of keeping safe and well, that’s why we’re encouraging everyone across the four nations to get their booster.
“But as governments, yet again, ask our NHS, social care and key frontline workers to undertake another huge national effort, they are still not paying these workers properly.
“Against the backdrop of covid, there is a cost-of-living crisis, key services face an understaffing crisis and the people delivering them are enduring a wage crisis.
“That’s not good enough and it’s got to be confronted.
“Our key workers must be paid properly – it’s the least they deserve for everything they are doing for all of us.”

Health

New Chief Medical Officer for Wales appointed

Published

3 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PROFESSOR Isabel Oliver has been named the new Chief Medical Officer for Wales, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

Prof. Oliver joins the Welsh Government from her position as Director General of Science and Research and Chief Scientific Officer at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). She will provide clinical leadership and offer independent professional advice to the Welsh Government on health and public health matters. Her role includes tackling health inequalities and leading efforts to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes across Wales.

Having started her career in acute hospital medicine in the West Midlands and South West England, Prof. Oliver transitioned to public health. She previously served as Director of the National Infection Service at Public Health England (PHE) and is co-director of the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Protection Research Unit on Behavioural Science and Evaluation at the University of Bristol. She is also an honorary professor at University College London.

Cabinet Secretary’s Welcome
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, praised the appointment, saying:
“Professor Oliver brings a wealth of experience to Wales after working at a senior level in public health in the UK, and I look forward to working with her.
“I’m delighted she has joined us as we work to improve health and wellbeing, and I’d like to offer her a warm welcome to Wales.”

Excited for the Challenge
Prof. Oliver expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating:
“It is an honour to be appointed as the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, and I am very excited to work with the dedicated health professionals and communities across Wales to create a healthier Wales and safeguard our NHS.

“Today, we face challenges from our ageing population, inequalities, and global factors such as climate change. For someone like me, with a great passion for health and wellbeing, Wales offers unique opportunities to secure major improvements in public health and health services, thanks to innovative policies and effective collaboration between sectors. It will be my privilege to serve the people of Wales to secure healthy, resilient, and prosperous communities.”

Prof. Oliver, a keen runner like her predecessor, is set to participate in the Newport Marathon later this year. She succeeds Sir Dr. Frank Atherton, who steps down at the end of January.

Contact Details:
William Davies
0300 0258 788
[email protected]

Let me know if further tweaks are needed!

Health

New Year, same waiting list woes, for people with arthritis in Wales

Published

3 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

VERSUS ARTHRITIS has expressed concern over the latest NHS Wales waiting time figures, highlighting the persistent struggles faced by those awaiting orthopaedic surgery. The charity, which supports people living with arthritis across the UK, called for urgent action from NHS Wales and the Welsh Government to tackle the staggering number of delayed procedures.

Speaking to The Herald, Mary Cowern, Head of Wales at Cymru Versus Arthritis, said: “A new year but the same disappointing news for people with arthritis waiting for orthopaedic surgery in Wales. Though there has been a small decrease in overall Trauma and Orthopaedic (T&O) figures, the number of people waiting over a year has risen.

“NHS Wales remains in uncharted territory, and it’s people with arthritis waiting for surgery who are again paying the price – in pain and losing their mobility and independence.”

Alarming statistics

The latest Trauma and Orthopaedic waiting list figures, covering November 2024, paint a grim picture:

102,938 people were waiting for T&O treatment in Wales – a 1% decrease from October 2024.
59,828 people (58%) had been waiting longer than 26 weeks, compared to 15,323 people in 2019.
47,797 people (46%) had been waiting over 36 weeks, a stark rise from 6,570 people in 2019.
32,137 people (31%) had been waiting over a year for treatment, up from just 2,473 in 2019.
5,106 people (5%) had been waiting over two years – compared to a mere 76 people in 2019.

These figures reflect a system struggling to recover despite promises of collaboration between NHS Wales and NHS England.

Cross-border collaboration stalled

Ms. Cowern also addressed the ongoing debate around cross-border healthcare. The BMA in Wales recently criticised excessive bureaucracy, which has hindered efforts to streamline patient referrals to NHS England.

“We still await further details on how the cross-border partnership will work,” said Ms. Cowern. “The chaos caused by red tape and bureaucracy needs to be resolved. People with arthritis shouldn’t suffer from systemic failings years on end.”

Powys Teaching Health Board has been a focal point of this issue, with many patients unable to access timely care. Ms. Cowern added:
“The goal of recovery shouldn’t drag us back to pre-pandemic levels. The ambition should be to create something better, with a clear roadmap and realistic targets. All people with arthritis awaiting treatment deserve better.”

A widespread crisis

Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions affect over 980,000 people in Wales and more than 20 million across the UK. These conditions are a leading cause of persistent pain and disability.

To even join the waiting list for procedures like hip or knee replacements, individuals must already experience significant daily pain, often impacting their ability to work and live independently. Waiting further exacerbates these challenges.

Versus Arthritis is the UK’s largest arthritis charity, dedicated to improving the lives of those living with the condition. Through research, campaigning, and support, the charity says it aims to ensure everyone with arthritis has access to the treatments they need, along with the hope of a cure.

Health

‘Truly abysmal’ – Welsh NHS waiting list hits new record high

Published

4 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE LATEST NHS statistics paint a bleak picture of healthcare in Wales, with waiting lists reaching an unprecedented 802,268 patient pathways in November—marking the tenth consecutive month of increases. These figures have sparked widespread criticism, with opposition parties and healthcare charities lambasting the Welsh Labour Government for its handling of the crisis.

***The latest figures have sparked widespread criticism of the Welsh Government (Pic: File)***

Waiting lists and emergency care in decline

The 802,268 patient pathways recorded represent more than one in four of the Welsh population. Behind this staggering number lies a harsh reality for patients. The median waiting time has now climbed to 23 weeks, a stark contrast to the 14-week average in England. For those waiting more than two years for treatment, the figure has risen again to 24,361. This is a glaring failure considering Labour’s repeated promises to eliminate two-year waits by 2023 and 2024—targets that remain unmet.

Emergency departments also continue to struggle. The percentage of patients seen within four hours has dropped to 64.8%, well below the target of 95%. In December, 10,857 patients waited more than 12 hours for care, an 11% increase from the previous month. Only 47.6% of red calls, the most serious emergency cases, received an ambulance response within eight minutes in December.

***Ambulances waiting to off load patients outside Withybush Hospital A&E in Haverfordwest (Pic: Herald)***

Cancer treatment performance falls short

Cancer services are in an equally dire state. The performance against the critical 62-day target for starting cancer treatment has fallen to just 60.2%—far below the 75% benchmark. While Health Secretary Jeremy Miles highlights incremental progress, including a reduction in long waits for diagnostics and therapies, critics argue this is too little, too late.

James Evans MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, called the statistics “truly abysmal,” adding:
“People are dying unnecessarily across Wales. Families are losing loved ones prematurely, and NHS staff morale is plummeting. The Welsh Labour Government has broken the NHS and continues to fail those who depend on it.”

Welsh Government defends record

***Defending the NHS – Jeremy Miles said more money had been made available (Image: File)***

In response, Jeremy Miles pointed to recent funding increases and measures to address long waits. He highlighted a £50 million investment aimed at improving outpatient services and diagnostics, alongside a decline in delayed hospital discharges over the last four months.

“The health service in Wales continues to provide quality care to thousands of people every day, despite immense pressures from winter illnesses, including Covid-19 and flu,” said Mr Miles. “These figures do not yet reflect the impact of our latest investments, but I am confident that we will see improvements in the coming months.”

Charities demand action on cancer

***There have been several protests against closure of services in Pembrokeshire (Pic Herald)***

Cancer charities have voiced their frustration over the slow progress in improving treatment waiting times. Kate Seymour, Head of External Affairs at Macmillan Cancer Support, described the current state of cancer care as “woefully inadequate.” She criticized the lack of strong national leadership and urged the Welsh Government to implement the recommendations of Audit Wales’s recent report on cancer services.

“The latest data shows real people are facing agonizing delays, unsure if they have cancer or when their treatment will start,” said Ms Seymour. “People in Wales with cancer deserve better.”

Judi Rhys MBE, Chief Executive of Tenovus Cancer Care, echoed these concerns, describing the findings of the Audit Wales report as “deeply disappointing.” She highlighted the lack of progress on stubbornly long waiting times for certain cancer types, including gynaecological cancers.

Political fallout

***There has been heated discussion in the Senedd over NHS service delivery (Image: File)***

The political repercussions have been swift. Last week, the Welsh Conservatives tabled a motion in the Senedd, calling for the immediate implementation of Audit Wales’s ten recommendations to improve cancer services. The motion criticized the Welsh Labour Government for its failure to meet national performance targets since 2020 and accused it of undermining its own Cancer Improvement Plan through poor communication and unclear priorities.

Labour members, however, voted against the motion, prompting sharp criticism from James Evans MS, who called the vote “shameful.”

“The Welsh Labour Government has broken the NHS, is out of ideas, and is on its way out of office. We stand ready to fix Wales,” said Mr Evans.

The human cost

***Some patients are saying that they have been in pain whilst awaiting operations (Pic: NHS)***

For patients and families across Wales, these statistics are more than just numbers—they represent painful realities. Behind every delay is someone anxiously waiting for a diagnosis or treatment, often with life-altering implications.

One such patient, Rhian Davies from Newport, has been waiting over two years for a hip replacement. “The pain is unbearable, and it’s getting worse,” she said. “I can’t believe I’ve been left to wait this long. It feels like they’ve forgotten about us.”

As pressure mounts on the Welsh Labour Government, health experts and opposition parties are united in their call for urgent reform. Whether the latest investments and strategies will be enough to reverse the downward spiral remains to be seen. For now, the people of Wales continue to endure a healthcare crisis that shows little sign of abating.