Welsh Government News-in-Brief
Lord Elis-Thomas keen to harness Swansea City of Culture energy
The Welsh Government stands ready to work with Swansea to deliver aspects of their 2021 City of Culture bid, the Culture, Tourism and Sport Minister Lord Elis-Thomas has said.
Lord Elis-Thomas said: “It is testament not only to the bid team but to the city as a whole that the drive, confidence and passion remains plain to see. This is a city ready to capitalise on the opportunities of the future and that is something I’m determined to support in any way I can.”
Plan to put education at heart of ambition to achieve a million Welsh speakers by 2050
A new plan that puts education at the heart of the Welsh Government’s ambition to achieve one million Welsh speakers by 2050 was published by Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning Eluned Morgan.
The Minister said: “Reaching a million Welsh speakers by 2050 is a significant challenge. Inspiring the next generation, particularly those from non-Welsh speaking families, to embrace the language and to use it in all contexts is vitally important in achieving this target.
“Whether our children attend Welsh-medium schools or learn the Welsh language in an English-medium school, education is key to the success of this ambition. This is why the Welsh in Education Action Plan is so important and why it is a priority for the rest of this Assembly term.”
“Parents of two and three year olds, get them protected against flu this winter” says CMO Frank Atherton
Vaccination against flu can help reduce hospital admissions in this age group and help stop the spread of flu in the community.
Dr Atherton said: “Young children are at risk of serious complications of influenza, their immune systems are not yet fully developed so they can’t fight off infections, such as flu, as well as older children and adults.
“That is why I am urging two and three year olds to get vaccinated. It will help protect them from the flu and stop it spreading to family and friends in the wider community this winter.”
Pig keepers warned not to feed kitchen scraps to pigs due to African Swine Fever risk
Pig keepers are being reminded not to feed kitchen scraps to their animals to prevent outbreaks of animal disease.
Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer Christianne Glossop said: “African Swine Fever is a highly contagious disease. Pig keepers can help prevent the spread of infection by practising strict biosecurity on their premises. An important part of this is ensuring that your pigs do not have access to potentially infectious meat or meat products, including kitchen waste.”
Don’t forget your pharmacist is on hand to help over the Christmas period
Wales’ Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Andrew Evans has today reminded people who are feeling unwell over the Christmas period that their local pharmacist is on hand to provide advice and treatment for a range of minor ailments and illnesses.
Andrew Evans said: “By visiting the pharmacist in the first instance people can help free up GPs so they can care for patients with more complex needs. Pharmacists will be dispensing advice during this time, helping people to stay in their community, and limiting pressure on our ambulance services and emergency services.”
Finance Secretary announces a £160m boost for public services
An extra £160m will be made available for local government and the health service over the next 2 years in the final Budget.
Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “I am pleased to be able to provide additional funding for public services – areas we know need extra support. This funding will help to ease some of the pressures on frontline public services, which have been struggling to cope as a result of the successive cuts to our budget, which we have experienced since 2010-11 thanks to the UK government’s programme of austerity.”
“Let’s all look after our elderly and vulnerable this Christmas” – Huw Irranca-Davies
People across Wales are being urged to look after elderly and vulnerable family members and neighbours this Christmas by Social Care Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies.
Huw Irranca-Davies said: “As many of us prepare to spend Christmas with our families and friends, many people across Wales are set to spend it alone. But I know Wales is a caring country. As a society, we care about those less fortunate than ourselves.
“So I’m calling on people right across Wales to look after elderly family and neighbours, call in on them, and if you can, offer them the opportunity to join you and your family in celebrating Christmas.”
Wales leading the way for End of Life Care
More people are accessing appropriate end of life care in Wales, according to a report published by the Welsh Government.
The Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething said: “The quality of care provided to a dying patient has a lasting effect on families and carers. I’m proud that this report highlights the work healthcare professionals are doing in Wales to help people in their final months, weeks or days.”
Ground-breaking assessment of the care needs of people in Wales
The number of people aged over 85 living in Wales will increase by an estimated 119% by 2035, according to a new report.
Minister for Children and Social Care, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “The implementation of the Social Services and Well-being Act is revolutionising the way care is delivered throughout Wales. Together with the more detailed regional population assessments, this national report will help the NHS, social services and other partners to shape policy and service delivery to provide people with the care and support they need, when they need it.”
For more Welsh Government news visit: http://gov.wales/newsroom/
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