THE BEVAN COMMISSION, in collaboration with Llais and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) in the United States, has launched the ‘Silly Rules’ initiative to tackle barriers hindering health and social care services in Wales.

The initiative, introduced on November 18, aims to identify outdated or unnecessary processes that obstruct safe and effective care, offering solutions to improve services for all.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES
People, communities, and health and social care staff are encouraged to contribute to the initiative by completing a survey. This will help identify processes that no longer add value and may be creating unnecessary challenges in delivering or receiving care.

Building on the success of the 2016 ‘Breaking the Rules for Better Care’ campaign by Professor Don Berwick, a Bevan Commissioner and healthcare improvement pioneer, this initiative seeks to adapt global lessons to the Welsh context. The original campaign transformed healthcare systems worldwide by addressing inefficiencies, reducing waste, and improving outcomes for both patients and professionals.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR BETTER CARE
Dr. Helen Howson, Director of the Bevan Commission, highlighted the importance of collaboration: “Often the best solutions come from the people who experience health and care services and those working in the system—both those providing and receiving care. We know there are processes and rules that may have made sense at one time but are now outdated, creating unnecessary barriers and frustration.

“By launching the Silly Rules initiative in Wales, we’re giving everyone an opportunity to help identify these. This isn’t just about finding problems—it’s about working together to create practical solutions that make health and care work better for everyone. Building on the success we’ve seen globally, we believe this initiative can transform care delivery in Wales, making it more efficient, responsive, and patient-centered.”

Alyson Thomas, Chief Executive of Llais, echoed this sentiment: “This is a great opportunity for us to join forces with the Bevan Commission to hear your ‘Silly Rules.’ Our unique role in Llais allows us to hear from people across both health and social care, giving us access to a broader range of ideas and experiences. This initiative ensures that people accessing care, along with staff, have a voice in shaping better services.”

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CARE
Findings from the Silly Rules survey will be shared in the first quarter of 2025 with health boards, trusts, social care organisations, and communities across Wales. This collective insight will guide policymakers and leaders in removing unnecessary barriers, improving care outcomes, enhancing staff satisfaction, and ensuring a better experience for everyone.

Health and social care staff, alongside Welsh communities, are encouraged to participate and contribute to these meaningful improvements. Together, we can break down the barriers to better care.

HAVERFORDWEST Magistrates’ Court will hear the sentencing of a Milford Haven woman found guilty of possessing a prohibited breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Megan Poupard, aged 21, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, was convicted on September 17, 2024, after pleading guilty to possessing an XL Bully—a breed falling under Section 1 of the legislation. The dog was examined by Dyfed-Powys Police, confirming it met the criteria for a fighting dog as outlined by law.

The case, which occurred on March 24, 2024, in Milford Haven, was adjourned in November to allow for DNA testing to confirm the animal’s breed. Poupard now faces a potential penalty of up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

Sentencing is scheduled for 10:00am on Monday, December 2, 2024. The Dangerous Dogs Act is a contentious piece of legislation aimed at curbing the ownership of breeds deemed dangerous to the public, often sparking debates about enforcement and breed-specific bans.

Updates on the case will follow as the court reaches its decision.

A 24-YEAR-OLD woman, Sophie Thomas, of Port Tennant, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended, at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 29). This follows an incident at Proud Mary’s Pub last year, in which a woman sustained a 2cm gash to her forehead as a result of Thomas’s actions.

On November 3, 2023, Thomas and her sister entered the pub’s toilets, where the complainant’s friend accidentally spilled a drink over Thomas. Prosecutor Ian Wright told the court: “Miss Thomas threw a drink over the complainant’s friend, and the complainant then felt a sharp pain in her forehead as Miss Thomas threw a glass at her head.”

In a victim impact statement, the complainant said: “I found it hard to process that someone could have assaulted me in that manner. I have become conscious of my appearance and am still struggling with ongoing anxiety.”

Defence solicitor Paul Williams argued: “In November 2023, she behaved in a moment of madness that night—completely out of character and plainly in a fit of temper. She is shocked that her behaviour has caused injury to another person. Moreover, she has a nine-week-old son and is a new mother.”

Upon sentencing, Judge Harris said: “Instead of letting it go when the complainant’s friend spilled a drink over you, you reacted in the most aggressive way. You and your sister approached this group, shouting threats. You threw your drink over the group and then threw the cup at the complainant, striking her on the forehead. She sustained a 2cm-long gash to her forehead. Your actions were thoroughly reckless. The real driving force behind your behaviour was the excessive alcohol you consumed that night.”

Judge Harris sentenced Sophie Thomas to a six-month suspended sentence, alongside 150 hours of community service and a financial penalty of £1,000.