Health

Welsh Government accepts pay recommendations amidst ongoing disputes

Published

3 months ago

September 10, 2024

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has accepted pay recommendations from independent review bodies for public sector workers, including NHS staff, teachers, and civil servants, for the 2024/25 financial year. The decision will see doctors and dentists receive a 6% pay rise, alongside a £1,000 consolidated uplift for junior doctors, while teachers and NHS staff will get 5.5%.

First Minister Eluned Morgan acknowledged the importance of public sector workers, describing them as the “backbone” of Wales. She emphasised the government’s commitment to fair pay while recognising public demand for improvements in services, particularly in the NHS and education. Cabinet Secretary for Finance Rebecca Evans highlighted the challenges of balancing fair pay with financial pressures.

The announcement has been cautiously welcomed by unions such as BMA Cymru Wales. Dr Oba Babs-Osibodu and Dr Peter Fahey of the BMA’s Welsh Junior Doctors Committee praised the 6% pay award as a step forward, but reiterated their calls for full pay restoration after years of real-term wage erosion. Meanwhile, Dr Stephen Kelly, chair of the Welsh Consultants Committee, recognised the progress made but expressed concerns that the settlement did not fully address years of undervaluation.

The response from general practitioners (GPs) has been more critical. Dr Gareth Oelmann, chair of the BMA Cymru Wales GP Committee, pointed out that while the pay increases were positive, they do not address deeper funding issues within general practice. He highlighted that over 100 GP surgeries had closed since 2012 due to financial constraints, and called for urgent GMS contract negotiations to tackle these systemic problems.

This latest announcement comes after significant industrial action by healthcare professionals earlier this year, with junior doctors leading the charge for fairer wages. The strikes, which resulted in widespread disruption to services, underscored the growing frustration within the medical community over years of pay stagnation.

While the pay increases for 2024/25 represent progress, the BMA and other unions remain steadfast in their pursuit of full pay restoration. They argue that, despite recent gains, doctors and healthcare professionals have seen their wages eroded in real terms over the past decade.

Beyond healthcare, teachers and other public sector workers have also benefited from the pay awards. Teachers will receive a 5.5% increase, reflecting the Welsh Government’s broader commitment to rewarding essential workers.

However, the Welsh Government faces the challenge of maintaining these pay awards while navigating broader economic constraints. Public finances remain under pressure, and there are concerns about how sustainable these pay settlements will be in the long term.

As the Welsh Government moves forward with these pay reforms, further negotiations with unions will be crucial to ensuring the long-term viability of public services in Wales. Despite the positive reception of the pay awards, there are still significant hurdles ahead, particularly in general practice and other underfunded areas of the public sector.

The pay increases mark a step towards resolving disputes, but the Welsh Government and public sector unions acknowledge that much work remains to address long-standing concerns around pay, working conditions, and service delivery.

Responding to the Welsh Government’s acceptance of the independent Pay Review Bodies recommendation of an above current inflation rate pay increase for NHS staff, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation Darren Hughes said:

“Health leaders will welcome the confirmation from the Welsh Government that those staff working so hard across the health service will benefit from an above inflation pay rise, in line with the UK Government offer to staff in England.

“NHS staff work tirelessly day in day out for patients and are the lifeblood of the health service, so this decision should be greeted with renewed optimism. Commitments to updating pay points and structures, as well as the intent to negotiate a fair and proportionate pay uplift across primary care, will also be welcomed.

“Industrial action has taken a real toll on the health service in recent years, not least on patients due to the cancellation of appointments and operations. We hope today’s news takes us another step towards avoiding disruption to health services from industrial action.

“However, it is crucial that the pay award is funded in full by both the UK and Welsh governments as the NHS continues to work hard at recruiting and retaining staff and driving down waiting lists against the backdrop of an already very tight financial position.

“Although NHS leaders understand the financial uncertainties faced by the Welsh Government, they would welcome an earlier decision in relation to future pay awards.

“NHS organisations will now work hard to implement the back-dated pay award, so staff can receive the well-deserved pay uplift as soon as is practicable.”

RCN Wales Executive Director Helen Whyley said: “The RCN today welcomes the Welsh government announcement that it will implement the recommendations of the independent pay review body (PRB) for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Wales. Nursing staff have been eagerly awaiting the Welsh government decision since early July, which applies from April 2024.

“The PRB recommendations acknowledge the tireless dedication and essential role of nursing staff, but investment in NHS staff is imperativeto fully reflect their contributions and to make the profession attractive to future nurses.

“Last year the Welsh government made a commitment to pay restoration for NHS staff. Now they must decide how to achieve that over time. The RCN expects to see a clear route to fair pay restoration – making up for a very serious loss of earnings in the last 15 years.

“Stagnant salaries at a time of spiralling prices have forced too many to leave nursing and deterred others from joining. Fair pay is vital to recruiting and retaining nursing staff, to filling the thousands of vacant nurse jobs and giving people the care they deserve.

“Nurses are the ever-present, safety critical workforce across the whole of health and care. Our wages do not reflect that, and still won’t after today. We will be pushing the Welsh government to show us their plans for improving NHS pay – it is vital to recruit and retain nursing staff. We will consult with our members on whether they see today’s statement as enough of a start on this pay journey.”

Health

Hywel Dda urges responsible use of ‘under pressure’ A&E service

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HYWEL DDA University Health Board is appealing to the public to carefully consider how they access healthcare services as local A&E units, including Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, face increasing pressure.

A spokesperson said: “Our services are under pressure. Please help us to help you by choosing how you access our services carefully, ensuring that emergency departments (A&E) are reserved for urgent or life-threatening care needs.”

Unwell and unsure what to do?

If you’re unwell and uncertain about the best course of action, the Health Board recommends visiting the online symptom checker or calling NHS 111 Wales for advice.

When to attend A&E

Emergency Departments should only be used for life-threatening illnesses or serious injuries, such as:

Severe breathing difficulties
Severe pain or bleeding
Chest pain or suspected stroke
Serious trauma injuries (e.g., from a car crash)

Minor Injuries Units (MIUs)

For less serious injuries, MIUs offer treatment for:

Minor wounds, burns, or scalds
Insect bites
Minor limb, head, or face injuries
Foreign bodies in the nose or ear

MIUs are available at Cardigan Integrated Care Centre, Tenby Hospital, and main acute hospitals. Visit the Minor Injuries Unit page for opening hours and directions.

Urgent care, not an emergency

For urgent health needs that cannot wait but are not emergencies, call NHS 111 Wales for advice or access to out-of-hours GP services. This free service is available 24/7.

Mental health support

If you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 Wales and select option 2 to speak with a mental health professional. The number is free to call, even from a mobile with no credit.

Community care options

Community pharmacies offer walk-in services for common ailments such as sore throats, hay fever, and conjunctivitis. A full list of ailments and participating pharmacies can be found on the Common Ailments Service pages.

Helping reduce hospital stays

The Health Board emphasizes the importance of reducing hospital stays to ensure acute care is available for those who need it most. If a loved one is ready to be discharged, families are urged to collect them promptly to free up beds for other patients.

For more information on the inpatient experience, visit the Inpatient Information pages.

A thank you from the NHS

The Health Board expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation: “Your support not only helps you and your loved ones but also eases the strain on NHS and social care services.”

For further updates, contact:
Hywel Dda University Health Board Media Office
Email: [email protected]

Health

More than 300 healthcare workers from Kerala take up NHS jobs in Wales

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AN EMPLOYMENT agreement has exceeded its target for recruiting healthcare workers from India.

The Welsh Government outlined a commitment to recruit 250 qualified healthcare workers from India as part of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kerala Government earlier this year.

The recruitment drive has outperformed that goal, with just over 300 healthcare workers taking up positions across all of Wales’ health boards and the Velindre University NHS Trust. Further recruitment is due to take place next year.

The commitment was made as part of Wales in India, a year-long series of events to improve economic, educational, artistic and sporting ties between the two nations.

Sharoon Kolickatharayil Nowshad, 24, had long held ambitions to move to Wales and work as a nurse, inspired by his uncle Siji Salimkutty who began working in the Welsh NHS in 2004.

Since arriving in Wales and beginning his job with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Sharoon said he has reunited with his family and appreciated the kindness shown by his new colleagues.

“I was really excited to work in the NHS” Sharoon said. “It’s always been my ambition to contribute to society, and now I get to do that here in Wales.

“Everything moved quickly once I saw the opportunity to apply, and I’m proud to work for the NHS. I tell my family and friends that it feels great to help people when they need it the most.

“When you work for the NHS, it’s not just a job or salary. It’s a great life. You feel proud knowing you’ve supported and helped others.

“The NHS has given us a great opportunity and we should always work sincerely because we love our jobs. There are lots of opportunities to advance your career, your colleagues always support you and there’s a great support network.”

Sharoon said he hopes to continue his career in the Welsh NHS by progressing to become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

He added: “People in Wales are so kind, they always make time for us, whether that’s at work or at home.

“I would encourage anyone thinking of coming to Wales not to hesitate and to apply, it’s the best decision I’ve made.”

Dr Devangana Bora has taken up a position as a Senior Clinical Fellow in Oncology at Velindre NHS Trust. Born in Guwahati, a large city in the Northeast Indian state of Assam, Dr Bora has worked as an Oncologist since 2019.

“I was really nervous for the interview. When I got there they told me it was in three stages and I became more nervous,” Dr Bora said.

“After the interview, I was offered the job and I was so happy. I thought they were joking. I was so excited to take this next step in my career and move to Wales.

“The weather is cold here but the people are so warm. I have received nothing but support from my colleagues and generally the people in Wales are so friendly and helpful.”

Dr Bora said her sister is currently studying Medicine at university and has been inspired to move to Wales once she completes her studies.

Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said: “Alongside continued investment in training healthcare staff in Wales, international recruitment has always been one of the ways we can help address NHS workforce vacancies.

“India and Kerala in particular has a fantastic record in training doctors and nurses. We are grateful for the commitment to delivering high-quality care our new NHS recruits have shown.

“The contribution of these healthcare workers is already being felt across our NHS and it’s wonderful to see them settling into happy lives in Wales.”

Wales in India was launched on St David’s Day, March 1, by the then First Minister Mark Drakeford and Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan, beginning a year of events and cultural engagements to strengthen links between the two nations.

One of the biggest impacts on policymaking in India drew inspiration from Wales’ innovative Well-being of Future Generations Act. Through partnership working, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly introduced its own draft law called the Maharashtra Future Generations Welfare Bill in July.

Welsh Government, the British Council and Wales Arts International also made commitments to further cultural collaborations between Wales and India by investing in arts projects through a dedicated culture fund. With the support of these organisations, as well as the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, Wales was recently a partner country for Hornbill, one of India’s largest music festivals, which saw Mari Mathias and Gareth Bonello perform on the main stage with Indian musicians Seyievinuo Chuzho and Benedict Hynniewta.

In February 2025, 10 young women, chosen from 140 applicants, will travel to Kolkata to complete humanitarian work as part of a joint project with Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Her Future Coalition. The volunteers will provide support to vulnerable girls including survivors of trafficking and other forms of gender-based violence. Sport and art workshops for children will also be run by the group.

Health

Hoax calls reach three-year high, says Welsh Ambulance Service

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICE has seen a staggering 37% rise in hoax calls over the past three years, wasting valuable time and resources, a new investigation reveals.

Data from Medical Negligence Assist highlights that over 700 hours—equivalent to nearly 29 full days—of ambulance crew time has been lost responding to malicious calls since 2021.

During this period, WAS crews attended 463 face-to-face incidents later identified as deliberate hoaxes, severely straining emergency services already under pressure.

Rise in hoax calls over three years

2021/22: 334 hoax calls; 84 face-to-face responses.
2022/23: 373 hoax calls; 85 face-to-face responses.
2023/24: 457 hoax calls; 163 face-to-face responses.

The upward trend continues, with provisional figures for 2024/25 (April 1 to October 31) already recording 345 hoax calls and 131 face-to-face responses.

Strain across Wales

The geographic impact is widespread, with hoax calls reported in all areas of Wales. WAS officials warn that such incidents divert resources from genuine emergencies, potentially putting lives at risk.

A call to action

The 701 hours spent on hoax calls between 2021 and 2024 represent a critical drain on ambulance availability. A WAS spokesperson said: “Every minute wasted on a hoax call is a minute lost to someone in real need. These actions have serious, life-threatening consequences.”

“The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging the public to recognize the harm caused by hoax calls and act responsibly.

“For information or to report suspicious activity, contact the Welsh Ambulance Service through their official channels.”