Wales urged to incorporate COPD detection in lung screening programme
Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, Health and Social Care Spokesperson for Plaid Cymru, commented: 'This new policy proposal sets clear and actionable goals for Wales to lead the way within the UK in preventing avoidable hospital stays and improving care for people living with COPD. By working together to build on potential lung screening infrastructure in Wales, we have the opportunity to better detect undiagnosed COPD earlier.'
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South Wales Argus
19 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Senedd hears allied health professionals ‘undervalued'
Mabon ap Gwynfor said allied health professionals (AHPs) – more than a dozen professions from paramedics to radiographers – make up around a quarter of the NHS workforce. But Plaid Cymru's shadow health secretary told the Senedd that allied health professionals are 'constantly undervalued' and receive 'far too little attention'. Mr ap Gwynfor called on the Welsh Government to develop a long-term workforce strategy as he led a debate on a motion backed by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. He said: 'Wales invests in training the next generation of AHPs, yet shockingly, many of them are unable to secure employment…. These are highly skilled, motivated individuals trained at public expense but often left underemployed or forced to leave Wales for work.' Senedd members warned of the 'postcode lottery', with Mr ap Gwynfor saying: 'Too often, your ability to access life-changing support depends on where you live, not what you need.' The Society of Radiographers has warned of a chronic shortage of radiographers across the NHS, with an average department vacancy rate of 15 per cent. Wales also has fewer speech and language therapists per head than anywhere else in the UK and trains only 55 a year. The Conservatives' Mark Isherwood said: 'To make matters worse, the youth justice board for England and Wales reports that 71 per cent of sentenced children have speech, language or communication difficulties, showing just how important these services are.' Labour's John Griffiths echoed concerns about the barriers many patients face when accessing health care, including limited provision and long waiting times in some areas. Jeremy Miles, Wales' health secretary, agreed about the need to invest to nurture and develop the workforce, describing AHPs as the 'heartbeat of the health service'. He told Senedd members there are more allied health professionals working in the NHS in Wales than ever before, with a 12 per cent increase in the past three years. Mr Miles drew attention to an extra £5m the Welsh Government made available to health boards every year from April 2023 to create more AHP posts. 'More than 100 additional full-time equivalent AHPs and support workers have been employed as a direct result of that additional investment,' he said. The Senedd voted 31-0, with 16 abstentions, in favour of the motion following the debate
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Employment lawyers explain rules on maximum temperature for workplaces
WORKING during a heatwave can be uncomfortable and even dangerous at times. Brits are set to see even more scorching weather this weekend and heading into next week, with highs of 28C today. 1 By Monday, temperatures could even soar to a balmy 34C. It might leave you wondering what your employer should be doing to make working through the heat more bearable - and whether you should be sent home. The Sun has spoken to employment lawyers to find out what your rights are... Should I be sent home if it gets too hot? You might be surprised to know there isn't a maximum temperature limit for workplaces. There is no law for either minimum or maximum working temperatures, meaning your employer doesn't necessarily have to send you home if it reaches a certain heat. Samantha Dickinson, partner at Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter, says: "That's largely because what's considered 'too hot' can vary greatly depending on the work environment. "A kitchen or bakery will be hotter than an office, for example." Government guidance does suggest workplaces should be a minimum of 16C or 13C if employees are doing physical work. What about people who are more vulnerable to heat? Companies are expected to take more care with employees who are potentially more vulnerable to the heat. This includes pregnant women or employees with long-term medical conditions. Experts warn of 6 HUGE mistakes to avoid when using a fan For example, conditions like arthritis or COPD can make high temperatures difficult to cope with. Their rights are protected under the Equality Act 2010, which says company rules shouldn't disadvantage particular employees. Nicola Welchman, a partner at Bloomsbury Square Employment Law, says: "For example, allowing a team member to work from home if they have disability that may be aggravated by hot conditions would be a reasonable adjustment." Should my employer be doing anything else? Employers do have a duty in both common and statutory law to take "reasonable" care for the health and safety of employees. Alex Elliott, a solicitor in the employment team at Birketts LLP, said employers should be carrying out regular workplace risk assessments. This includes considering how employees could be affected by a heatwave. "For example, employers may choose to relax dress codes where appropriate, in addition to providing adequate air conditioning and access to water," he said. Employers could also take steps like buying cool drinks and ice creams for staff. They might also want to offer flexible working hours, such as earlier start and finish times, so employees can avoid working during the hottest parts of the day. Can you make a claim against your employer if it's too hot? As we mentioned, employers aren't legally required to keep your workplace below a certain temperature. But you might have grounds for a claim if you fall ill due to the heat. Samantha said: "Beyond the health implications, productivity can also suffer when employees are too hot to concentrate. "If someone becomes ill due to excessive heat, especially if they have a pre-existing condition, employers could face legal consequences, including personal injury claims." To make a claim you would need to go to a personal injury solicitor, who can send a "letter of claim" to your employer. You will need to be able to prove your employer failed to take adequate health and safety measures. The employer will then have to investigate your claim and respond. You should research any personal injury solicitor before using them and check the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers to see if they are properly accredited. Be aware that legal action can be expensive so think carefully before making a claim. What if you have to take public transport? Again, there are no laws about temperatures on public transport. Each transport company can set its own policies around heatwaves and temperature conditions. Transport for London has said all Tubes will be air-conditioned by 2030, but until then passengers could be facing sweltering journeys. It's recommended that if you're travelling you should take a water bottle and wear light, loose-fitting clothing if possible. You might want to consider electrolyte drinks like sports drinks or coconut water on longer journeys. If you're driving to work, these are some tips from the AA on how to keep your car cool: Use steering wheel and seat covers Cover your dashboard to keep the surface cool and avoid premature cracking or fading Park your vehicle in the shade Leave windows slightly cracked to allow hot air to escape Most battery electric vehicles have an app which allows cabin temperature control remotely, so you can cool down your vehicle's interior before you start your journey. How to keep cool in a heatwave Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS... Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter. Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
South Wales Argus
19-06-2025
- South Wales Argus
Calls to Welsh Government to speed up cancer diagnosis
Plaid Cymru deputy Senedd leader, Delyth Jewell, said: "Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer in Wales. "That's because 80 per cent of people get diagnosed too late to receive life-saving treatment, and half lose their lives within three months. "We have to see more people getting their diagnosis earlier to save so many more precious lives." Minister for children and social care Dawn Bowden acknowledged the 'heartbreaking' late diagnosis rates, and said the government is focusing on rapid access to diagnostic treatment. She said: "We're working with the NHS to determine the long-term service model for pancreatic and liver cancer surgery." The minister agreed to meet with Ms Jewell and Pancreatic Cancer UK to discuss improvement strategies. Pancreatic Cancer UK's head of devolved nations, Dawn Crosby, said: "It is vital that the Welsh Government keep up this momentum with more action, more investment, and more attention."
