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Macmillan Calls for Immediate Action on Wales’ Failing Cancer Treatment Times

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MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPOER has criticized the Welsh Government for its failure to improve cancer treatment waiting times, highlighting a distressing scenario where hundreds of patients are left enduring extensive delays for vital treatments.

According to the latest data, the situation remains dire with no sign of improvement. Glenn Page, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Macmillan, expressed grave concerns over the current state of affairs. “Today’s data shows cancer waiting times in Wales are not improving. Hundreds of people are being left to face agonising long waits for cancer treatment. This can’t go on,” he stated.

The report underscores a healthcare system in crisis, with Welsh healthcare staff striving under relentless pressures. “Welsh healthcare staff are doing the very best they can but are working in a permanent state of crisis. It’s unsustainable,” Page added, marking a year of stagnation since the launch of The Cancer Improvement Plan, which has failed to meet its objectives and targets.

With the appointment of a new First Minister on the horizon, Macmillan is eager to collaborate with the government to prioritise cancer treatment. “We look forward to working with the new First Minister to cement cancer as a priority. If the Welsh Government acts now, we can turn this around and ensure people living with cancer get the treatment they desperately need, now and in the years to come,” Page emphasised.

The latest figures reveal a troubling picture; over 860 cancer patients (45%) in Wales waited more than 62 days to commence treatment after initial suspicions of cancer in January 2024. This further affirms that the national cancer waiting times target has yet again been missed, reflecting the ongoing struggles within NHS cancer services in Wales. Notably, 2023 has been identified as the worst year on record for cancer waiting times in the country.

Performance metrics for specific cancer types are particularly alarming, with only 31% of individuals with gynaecological cancer, 36% with urological cancer, and 33% with lower gastrointestinal cancer starting their treatment within the target time frame in January 2024.

In light of these findings, Macmillan Cancer Support is preparing to release a detailed data analysis, underlining the urgent need for the Welsh Government to address these shortcomings and improve cancer care services for the sake of its citizens.

Charity

RNLI offers winter safety advice as lifeguard patrols end in Wales

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THE RNLI are offering lifesaving beach safety advice as lifeguard patrols come to an end in Wales for the 2024 season.

This weekend (2-3 November, 2024) RNLI lifeguards will conclude their patrols at Whitesands Beach, St Davids. Lifeguards will be patrolling from 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The RNLI are offering safety advice to help keep beach users safe during the winter months. Chris Cousens RNLI Water Safety Lead for the region said: “As the lifeguard season ends in Wales and wintery conditions have begun to hit our coastline, we’re asking people to take care and be aware of the dangers.

“If you visit a beach, never go alone. It’s vital that you have company who could get help, in the event of an emergency. Take note of safety signage at the entrance to the beach which will warn of the local risks and hazards, and if possibly speak to someone who might be local who might be able to also provide advice.

“Always check the weather and conditions and consider your capabilities, if in doubt it is better to stay dry and watch the sea than take the risk.

“Strong winds and big waves pose a great risk to those visiting the coast. In these conditions, stay clear of beachfronts, cliff edges and piers.

“You should always carry a means of contact such as a mobile phone, if you get into trouble or see anyone else in difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

“We’re aware that cold water dipping is becoming increasingly popular. We strongly advise that you should never do this alone. As we get further into the winter months, and the temperature continues to drop, the risk of cold-water shock will increase. Make sure you understand the effects of cold water and that you have means of warming up afterwards.

“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.”

Bigger waves and stronger winds increase the likelihood and strength of rip currents.

Should you find yourself stuck in a rip current:

  • Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.
  • If you can stand, wade don’t swim.
  • If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore.
  • Always raise your hand and shout for help.

Despite the coming absence of RNLI lifeguards on the beaches, the RNLI would like to remind the public that RNLI lifeboats are a 24-hour search and rescue service with 238 stations situated around the British Isles. When you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, they dispatch the nearest lifeboat which will come to your aid.

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Health

Fundraiser walks 87,000 steps for Acute Cardiac Care Unit

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FUNDRAISER Sam Faulkner has completed his 87,000 step challenge and has raised an incredible £2,609 for the Acute Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital.

Sam completed the challenge in July when he walked along the Brecon and Monmouth Canal from Brecon to Rogerstone in Newport in memory of his father. This was Sam’s second fundraiser for the unit which provided care to his Dad during his last few days.

Sam said: “It was an honour to once again raise funds for the Acute Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital in memory of my Dad and in recognition of the exceptional care given to him by the lovely staff on the unit during his last few days. We as a family will be forever grateful to the unit for their kindness and I look forward to continuing to raise more money for them in future!”

Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say well done to Sam for completing his challenge. Thank you so much for dedicating your time to once again raise funds for the Acute Cardiac Care Unit.”

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the NHS charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

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Health

Welsh prioritise dental insurance: A rise in cover for ‘Love Island Smiles’

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A GROWING trend in Wales sees more people investing in dental insurance, with one in five Welsh residents (20%) opting for cover—the highest rate in the UK.

The UK’s dental insurance market has surged, expanding from £109 million to £180 million over the past two years. This increase in dental coverage coincides with a broader national emphasis on dental care, with Welsh residents leading the charge.

A recent study by Smart Money People, the UK’s leading financial services review site, reveals that Welsh residents are more likely to have dental insurance than those in any other region, with the national average lagging behind at 12%. Additionally, 19% of Welsh respondents indicated they had previously chosen private dental care.

The influence of popular culture may play a role, with Welsh Love Island finalists Nicole and Ciaran capturing audiences with their signature ‘Love Island Smiles’. Their appearance on the hit show is thought to have inspired viewers in Wales to focus on dental aesthetics and health, potentially sparking this surge in dental cover.

When asked about their reasons for taking out insurance, 54% of Welsh residents cited peace of mind, while 6% believed a claim might be likely. Interestingly, 20% think they are more likely to win the lottery than make an insurance claim, and 16% feel they have a better chance of gaining fame.

Jacqueline Dewey, CEO of Smart Money People, advised: “Selecting the right dental insurance can be challenging, especially as we increasingly focus on having the perfect smile. Reading reviews from customers can help ensure that your chosen policy will be a wise investment for the future.”

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