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Improving how Welsh NHS handle complaints

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drakefordACTION is being taken to improve the way the NHS in Wales deals with complaints, Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford announced on Monday (Nov 24). Considerable progress has been made in response to an independent review by Keith Evans about how the health service handles complaints, which was published in July. Action underway includes: Improving the way the complaints system – Putting Things Right – is promoted to make it easier and more accessible for patients and families.

Encouraging early contact with patients to resolve any issues when they happen. Developing a national approach to publishing data on complaints to ensure all NHS organisations publish information in a consistent way, which is easy for the public to understand and allows for meaningful comparisons across Wales.

New projects are underway so that patients and their families can clearly understand how to comment on any aspect of a service they may have received, whether good or bad. These include the pilot of iWantGreatCare at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and the Princess of Wales Hospital, in Bridgend to capture real-time patient and visitor feedback.

The Health and Social Services Minister is investigating the potential for establishing a national expert team to deal with serious concerns and shared learning. These proposals will be developed over the coming months. The Welsh Government commissioned Mr Evans, the former chief executive and managing director of Panasonic UK and Ireland, to lead the review, which made more than 100 recommendations to strengthen the NHS complaints process.

Professor Drakeford said: “The Welsh NHS treats millions of patients a year, providing high-quality care in often difficult circumstances. However, when patients and families feel they don’t get the care they expect, the system does not always work for them. Despite this, complaints received by the NHS represent less than 0.1% of all activity. When patients and families do make a complaint, they need have confidence in the system and know their concerns are being listened to and acted on. Since Keith Evans’ review was published, the Welsh Government and health boards have taken action to implement many of his recommendations. This includes looking at how we use data at a national level, simplifying the complaints process and making sure the resources to respond to concerns are in place. The Welsh Government and the NHS will continue to do all we can to make the complaints process work for patients and ultimately improve the care the health service in Wales provides.”

 

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Education

Sam Kurtz quizzed by primary school pupils about how was is governed

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PUPILS at St Oswald’s VA Primary School welcomed a visit from local Senedd member Samuel Kurtz on Monday (Feb 2), as children put questions to him about how Wales is governed.

Years five and six pupils took part in an interactive session where the Senedd Cymru member explained the role of the Welsh Parliament, how laws are made, and how elected representatives support local residents.

He outlined what a Member of the Senedd does day-to-day, how decisions affecting communities are taken, and why taking part in democracy is important.

The pupils were then given the chance to quiz him directly, raising questions about politics, local issues and how young people can make their voices heard. Staff said the children showed strong interest and came well prepared.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Kurtz said: “It was a real pleasure to visit St Oswald’s and see such enthusiasm and curiosity from the pupils.

“Understanding how democracy works and how decisions are made is important, and it is encouraging to see young people taking an interest in how their community and country are run.

“I was particularly impressed by the quality of the questions, which showed they had clearly done their research.”

Teachers described the visit as a valuable opportunity to bring lessons about citizenship and Welsh democracy to life.

The school visit forms part of Mr Kurtz’s ongoing programme of meeting with schools, community groups and residents across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.

 

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Crime

Police confirm teacher was stabbed at school as teenager appears in court

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15-year-old charged with Section 18 GBH with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises

POLICE have confirmed that the teacher injured during Thursday’s lockdown at Milford Haven Comprehensive School suffered stab wounds, as a 15-year-old boy appears in court today (Saturday, Feb 7).

Dyfed-Powys Police said the teenager has been charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises. He has been remanded in custody and is due before Swansea Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Emergency services were called to the school at around 3:20pm on Thursday (Feb 5) following reports that a member of staff had been assaulted by a pupil. The school was placed into immediate lockdown and police said all learners later returned home unharmed.

The injured teacher has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering with support.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Briggs said: “We are continuing to support the victim whilst they recover from this traumatic event. Following detailed enquiries by specialist officers, injuries initially assessed and described as non-stab injuries have now been confirmed as stab wounds.

“A statement at an early stage of the investigation was based on preliminary information available at the time.

“There will continue to be a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days to provide further reassurance. Officers will be working closely with local secondary schools to offer support over the coming week.”

In a joint update issued by the local authority and the school, deputy headteacher Daryl John thanked staff and the small number of pupils who remained on site, saying they acted “with professionalism” and were “calm throughout”. He added that the school community was grateful for the “rapid and effective response” of the emergency services and sent best wishes to the injured colleague for a “full and speedy recovery”.

Pembrokeshire County Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey confirmed the school will reopen on Monday, with additional support available for pupils and staff affected by the incident. He said lockdown procedures are routinely rehearsed so that, in rare cases where they are needed, everyone knows what to do.

The school was closed to pupils on Friday, with the town noticeably quieter than usual as children stayed home.

Police enquiries are continuing and further updates are expected following the court hearing.

 

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News

Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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