New organ donation system has saved lives

Fifteen people donated their organs in the first two months after a new soft opt-out system for organ donation was introduced in Wales, new figures show. Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford urged families in Wales to continue talking about their organ donation decisions. The figures show that of the 15 people who donated their organs during December 2015 and January 2016, six had their consent deemed because they had not registered a decision to either opt in or opt out of becoming an organ donor. The Minister said: “The change in the organ donation system has made it easier for people to donate their organs and ended a very anxious wait for many people who are waiting for a transplant.”

New rules ensure takeaways promote hygiene ratings on leaflets

Takeaway businesses in Wales will be required to promote their food hygiene ratings on leaflets which enable customers to order by phone or online when new rules come into force in November 2016, the Welsh Government has announced. Wales was the first country in the UK to create a statutory food hygiene rating scheme in November 2013 when the Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) Act 2013 made it compulsory for all food businesses – such as restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways, hotels and supermarkets – to publicly display their food hygiene rating on their premises. From 28 November 2016 – the third anniversary of the statutory Food Hygiene Rating Scheme in Wales coming into force – all takeaway food businesses will be required to publish a bilingual statement on certain hardcopy publicity materials directing customers to the food hygiene ratings website. Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: “These new measures will enhance the statutory Food Hygiene Rating Scheme in Wales by filling a gap – people ordering food by phone do not have the opportunity to see the food hygiene rating of the takeaway business before placing their order. The display of the statement on leaflets will encourage consumers to view the rating online and to ask the takeaway food business for their food hygiene rating over the phone before ordering.”

New youth work charter will support young people in Wales

A new youth work charter that will support young people and enhance their lives has been launched by the Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James. The new Wales Charter for Youth Work has been developed by the Welsh Government to ensure a national approach to Youth Work, and will see young people in all areas of Wales being able to access a similar level of youth work provision. The Deputy Minister said: “Quality youth work has the potential to enrich the lives of our young people, both through the experiences it opens up for them and the support it offers.”

1 per cent pay rise for all Welsh NHS staff

NHS Wales employees will receive a 1% pay rise, the Welsh Government has announced. And more than 7,000 of the lowest paid NHS staff will receive a backdated pay rise as the uplift to the living wage applied from 1 January – the living wage has risen to £8.25 from £7.85. Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford has accepted the recommendations on pay from both the NHS Pay Review Body and the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration.

The Minister said: “We have accepted in full the recommendations from the independent pay review bodies – this is in line with the offers made elsewhere in the UK.”

Welsh Trade Mission in New York

Boutique bridal dresses, cashmere socks, recycling machinery and a contemporary circus were just some of the goods and services being showcased in New York this month (March 20-26)as part of a Welsh Government-led trade mission. Six Welsh companies from a range of sectors took part in the mission. Areas represented include consumer goods, professional services and advanced materials and manufacturing. As well as promoting their products and services on the international stage and exploring export avenues, delegates were given the unique opportunity to connect with sector experts, foster strategic partnerships and learn more about doing business in the USA. Economy, Science and Transport Minister, Edwina Hart said: "The United States is by far Wales’ largest export market and is worth over £2.7billion to the Welsh Economy. As the world’s premier economic power-house, engaging with businesses there is essential for Wales and this trade mission aims to do just that.”

Minister launches new vision for Initial Teacher Education in Wales

Plans to transform the future of Initial Teacher Education and Training in Wales have been set out by the Welsh Education Minister Huw Lewis. The Minister set out a blueprint for a new four year undergraduate route and greater subject specialism for those wanting to teach at primary and a new two year course for postgraduates. The Minister said: “I have been clear that we must do more to accelerate improvement in Initial Teacher Education provision across Wales. This is particularly important as we continue with our programme of radical education reform, focussed on driving up standards across the board.”

Busiest February on record for Wales’ emergency departments

An average of 2,689 people attended Wales’ emergency departments each day in February 2016 – 112 every hour – new figures show. The figures are the highest ever recorded for February since records began in 2006. NHS Wales’ urgent and emergency care system faced exceptional levels of demand in January and February, but more than 2,000 more people were assessed, then admitted or discharged from an emergency department within four hours in February 2016 compared to February 2015. Dr Andrew Goodall, chief executive of NHS Wales, said: “Robust plans have been put in place by health boards supported by an extra £45m of new investment to manage winter pressures.”

Welsh Government joins forces with TrustMark to protect against rogue traders

A campaign to protect Welsh householders from rogue traders and incompetent operators has been launched as the Welsh Government joins force with Trustmark to promote its consumer protection service. TrustMark, a not for profit organisation, is a voluntary accreditation scheme that helps householders find reputable local tradespeople who have been vetted and inspected to work on their properties. The integrated marketing campaign - which coincides with TrustMark’s 10th anniversary - will target Welsh traders whose businesses can benefit from gaining accreditation and also raise awareness of the scheme amongst consumers in Wales. Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: “We have all heard harrowing cases of rogue traders and incompetent operators working in the home repair, maintenance and improvement market causing great distress, disruption and financial loss for many home owners. Trustmark was established to eliminate poor practice in this sector and is a quality scheme that helps householders find reputable local tradespeople who have been vetted and inspected to work on their properties.”