魅影直播

魅影直播 Cymru Wales weekly digest

28 March 2025

  • Welsh Government听have published an evaluation of the final findings from the听听(2018 to 2022).听听
  • The Welsh Government听published an update on听: Creating a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Wales Delivery Plan - One Year On, which included a section of health.听听
  • Welsh Government听have published NHS听: March 2025, which provides a summary of NHS performance for the Welsh Local Health Boards, covering emergency department and planned care waiting times, and ambulance response for March 2025.听 听
  • The Wales Gene Park听is hosting a听 on 3 April 2025 at 11:00 to discuss Rare Diseases Surveillance in Wales, amongst other issues.听听
  • The Cross Party Group on Cancer is holding a Senedd Reception 鈥溾�� on 01 May 2025 from 10:00-14:00. Entrance is open to all.听听
  • Advanced Therapies Wales听have launched the registration for their 3rd听, 'Nurturing Growth: Making it personal with advanced therapies', which is taking place in Swansea on 11 June 2025.听听

21 March 2025

  • This week, the 魅影直播听has published a new听on the VPAG Scheme. In it, a number of 魅影直播 member companies warn the UK鈥檚 economic growth plan will falter unless the government takes action to return payment rates to international competitiveness.听听
  • The Wales Gene Park听is hosting a Public Virtual Genomics Cafe on 03 April 2025 at 11:00 to discuss听听in Wales,听amongst other issues.听听
  • The Cross Party Group on Cancer is holding a Senedd Reception听鈥溾�� on 01 May 2025 from 10:00 -14:00. Entrance is open to all.听听
  • Advanced Therapies Wales have launched the registration for their third听, 'Nurturing Growth: Making it personal with advanced therapies', which is taking place in Swansea on 11 June 2025.

14 March 2025

  • The Joint Commissioning Committee (JCC) has launched a 6-week consultation on a new Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy, Policy Position Statement.  
  • All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) has published new resources on . These patient information leaflets aim to inform people about what happens if there is a shortage of a medicine in Wales.  
  • Victoria Heath has been appointed as Wales鈥� first . Victoria will advise the Welsh Government on the most effective ways to use healthcare science to deliver improved healthcare, including modernising and introducing new diagnostic technologies and treatments.  
  • Earlier this week, the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care , spoke at the Welsh Local Medical Committees Conference. He shared that the coming year must be about transforming how health services are delivered, to keep care closer to home.  
  • This week saw the launch of , who are aiming to promote collaboration among innovators, health and social care professionals, and industry experts across Wales.  
  • Following the publication of the  by the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, the Senedd Research Service has published an article which provides an overview.  
  • Genetic Alliance UK are hosting a  Day 2025 Joint Nation Online Event on Thursday 6 March from 10:00 - 12:00.  
  • The Cross Party Group on Cancer is holding a Senedd Reception 鈥溾�� on 01 May 2025 from 10:00 -14:00. Entrance is open to all.  
  • Advanced Therapies Wales have launched the registration for their third , 'Nurturing Growth: Making it personal with advanced therapies', which is taking place in Swansea on 11 June 2025.  

07 March 2025

  • This week, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Welsh Government, made a  in the Senedd about Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board remaining in special measures.  
  • Genetic Alliance UK are hosting a  Day 2025 Joint Nation Online Event on Thursday 6 March from 10:00 - 12:00.  
  • The Cross Party Group on Cancer is holding a Senedd Reception 鈥溾�� on 01 May 2025 from 10:00-14:00. Entrance is open to all.  
  • Advanced Therapies Wales have launched the registration for their third , 'Nurturing Growth: Making it personal with advanced therapies', which is taking place in Swansea on 11 June 2025.  

28 February 2025

  • Genomics Partnership Wales are currently asking for feedback on their proposed , which includes four pillars with associated actions to be taken forward over the next five years.  
  • A new study outlining the trends in  prescribing: A UK-wide cohort comparison from 2018鈥�2024 has been published in Nature by a group of Welsh clinicians and academics.  
  • Genetic Alliance UK are hosting a  Day 2025 Joint Nation Online Event on Thursday 6 March from 10:00 - 12:00.  
  • The Cross Party Group on Cancer is holding a Senedd Reception 鈥溾�� on 01 May 2025 from 10:00-14:00. Entrance is open to all.  
  • Advanced Therapies Wales have launched the registration for their third , 'Nurturing Growth: Making it personal with advanced therapies', which is taking place in Swansea on 11 June 2025.  

21 February 2025

  • Having taken account of the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG)听recommendation alongside a broader range of considerations the decision of Welsh Government is as follows:
    • (as fumarate) (Descovy庐) is recommended an option for restricted use within NHS Wales for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection in at-risk men who have sex with men, including adolescents (with body weight at least 35 kg). AWTTC ref (2566).听
  • Following review by the One Wales Medicines Assessment Group (OWMAG), One Wales Interim Decision for the following medicine has been noted by the AWMSG and ratified by Welsh Government.听
    • (Veyvondi庐鈻�) for on-demand treatment of non-surgical and surgical (elective and emergency) bleeding episodes in children aged up to 17 years with von Willebrand disease.
  • The Welsh Government have published the听听for 2025-26 following听an agreement today between the Welsh Government and Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.听听
  • The Welsh Government have published the听听for 2025-26 following听an agreement today between the Welsh Government and Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.听听
  • Genetic Alliance UK are hosting a听 2025 Joint Nation Online Event on Thursday 6th of March from 10:00 - 12:00.

14 February 2025

  • Health and Care Research Wales and British Heart Foundation (BHF) have announced a significant 拢3m agreement to support  in Wales through funding for the National Cardiovascular Research Network (NCRN). The five-year agreement means that Welsh researchers will be able to investigate key areas of unmet health and care needs in people with heart conditions such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), heart disease and vascular ageing.
  • The  centre for excellence will benefit from a 拢3 million investment from Health and Care Research Wales, supported by the Welsh Government, on top of 拢750,000 available for other dedicated women鈥檚 health research projects.  
  • All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) have published their , which includes links to multiple work programmes currently in progress.  
  • The Office of Health Economics (OHE) has published a new report on the economic value of .  
  • This week, 魅影直播 have published a new on the updated NHS Commercial Framework for New Medicines in England. This provides some high-level reflections on the changes that have been made and the importance of carefully monitoring implementation to ensure an uptick in commercial flexibility.  
  • Genetic Alliance UK are hosting a  Day 2025 Joint Nation Online Event on Thursday 6th of March from 10:00 - 12:00.  

07 February 2025

  • This week saw publicity around an  taking place at Velindre NHS Trust. The study, led by Velindre in partnership with pharmaceutical company BioNTech and Health and Care Research Wales, is looking at whether the vaccines can help train the body's immune system to prevent cancer from returning. 
  • The Innovation in  is a collaborative scheme between Life Sciences Hub Wales and the Academy of Medical Sciences. This fund aims to foster partnerships and provide seed funding to develop innovative solutions that enhance outcomes and experiences for women affected by cancer. 
  • The Welsh Government have published a Written Statement outlining the newly agreed  for 2024-25. 
  • Genetic Alliance UK are hosting a  Day 2025 Joint Nation Online Event on Thursday 6th of March from 10:00 - 12:00.

31 January 2025

  • The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (魅影直播) Chief Executive, Richard Torbett, published a new blog听.听In this piece, he explains the drivers behind the UK's historic underinvestment in medicine and the unprecedented opportunity to address the issue in 2025.听
  • The next听听Meeting will take place on Friday 21 February at the University of South Wales Conference Centre or听online. The meeting will include an update on the Tackling Cancer Initiative, the developing programme to increase commercial trial activity, and VPAG in Wales, the next phase for quicDNA: quicDNA Max, a proposal for AI to optimise MDT decision making and identify trials for patients and working group breakouts.听
  • A听听in Wales has taken a step forward this week after new electronic forms were implemented. The eForm introduction marks a milestone for the NHS in Wales, which has been working to replace the obsolete Cancer Network Information System Cymru (CaNISC) to ensure cancer patients in Wales, and clinical teams across the country, have a modern and fit for purpose cancer clinical record听to work with.听 听
  • Advanced Therapies Wales听have published their听 this week. The Delivery Plan for Advanced Therapies in Wales has been written on behalf of the Welsh Advanced Therapies ecosystem, with delivery of the plan coordinated and facilitated through the Advanced Therapies Wales Programme, strategic partnerships, and continued stakeholder engagement.听听
  • 听National Institute for Health and Care Excellence听(NICE)听have published a blog this week on the new听 (MMD), part of VPAG. This covers the four-nations, and All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) are involved in the work programme.听
  • The Welsh Information Solution for听听(WISDM) system is now live in Betsi Cadwaladr听University Health Board (BCUHB) Central. WISDM previously went live in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) West in December 2023. Roll out across the rest of North Wales will continue this year.听
  • In a new听听published this week, the Senedd鈥檚 Health and Social Care Committee听is calling on Welsh Government to refocus efforts on delivering person-centred care in the NHS, with integrated services for people living with long-term health concerns.听
  • The updated听 for New Medicines was published this week. Whilst this is largely a specifically English document, there is a reference to Wales under the "Patient Access Scheme" section.听听
  • The next in the Welsh NHS Confederation's explainer series was also published this week, focused on how听 works in the NHS in Wales.听 听
  • The Welsh Government听has announced that five across Wales and Northern Ireland have been awarded a share of 拢1 million to develop technology to reduce waiting times and improve outcomes for cancer听patients.听
  • Health and Care Research Wales听has announced a 拢49m investment in听听this week. Women鈥檚 health, mental health and tackling cancer are among key areas for research into health and social care over the next five years.听听

24 January 2025

  • Professor Isabel Oliver has been appointed as the . Professor Oliver will be joining the Welsh Government from her role as Director General of Science and Research and Chief Scientific Officer at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).  
  • The 鈥�鈥� is currently in development by the Welsh Anaesthetic Green Network (WAGN) and All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC), who would welcome your comments on the draft paper and its associated Equality and Health impact Assessment (EqHIA) form.  
  • Welsh Government has announced that Wales will take part in largest ever  this autumn.  
  • The National Prescribing Indicators 2024鈥�2025:  document has been prepared by the Welsh Analytical Prescribing Support Unit.  
  • is currently in development by AWTTC. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to healthcare professionals receiving requests for urgent medication; it is relevant to community pharmacists providing an Emergency Medicine Supply service and healthcare professionals working as prescribers in NHS 111 and OOH primary care services.  
  • Welsh Government has publicised the , which is now available in 99% of pharmacies throughout Wales.  

17 January 2025

  • This week saw the publication of a report by Audit Wales on . It concludes that many cancer patients are waiting too long for cancer diagnosis and treatment and that performance varies across Wales, but no health board has met the current waiting time target since 2020. It was also the focus of questions at the Senedd. 
  • Wales鈥� leading doctor Sir Dr Frank Atherton has announced he will stand down after 8 and half years as the Welsh Government鈥檚 Chief Medical Officer. This follows the announcement, before Christmas, that the General Medical Council (GMC) has appointed Professor Pushpinder Mangat, currently Welsh Government's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, to be its next Medical Director and Director of Education and Standards. It is understood that interviews for the new Chief Medical Officer have taken place, and an announcement is awaited from Welsh Government.
  • During recess, the Welsh Government published a written statement: on the  Agreement 2024-25.  
  • This week, Welsh Government published the new  for 2025 to 2026. This details how NHS Wales will measure and report performance in health care.  
  • All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) have launched a consultation on the All Wales Common Ailments Service Formulary - Monograph for . The Welsh Medicines Advice Service, in collaboration with the Community Pharmacy Clinical Advisory Group, have updated the allergic rhinitis monograph to include fexofenadine as a treatment option. The consultation is open until Thursday 13th February 2025.  
  • The Welsh Parliament / Senedd Cymru Health and Social Care Committee is holding an inquiry into the future of  in Wales. The closing date for submissions is 28 March 2025. 
  • Welsh Government have published four reports providing supporting evidence from the first year of the  National Evaluation.  
  • Public Health Wales have published a report on their recent research on . The report integrates previous findings with recent research on value-for-money public health programmes, highlighting successful interventions across three life stages: early years, healthy adults, and healthy ageing.  
  • This week, the 魅影直播 published a new blog, ''.
  • Plaid Cymru have published their latest plans for the NHS in Wales relating to  and diagnostic testing.  
  • The Welsh Government has published its  (resilience and preparedness).   
  • AWTTC have updated the  specifically on oral candidiasis section to align with NICE guidelines.  

11 January 2025

  • The All Wales Common Ailments Service Formulary听document has been updated on the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) website. Changes have been made to the section on 鈥�.鈥櫶�
  • The Senedd Research Service has published a new article on听, with a focus on measles.听

06 December 2024

  • The Welsh Government has published an update to听 following support from the cabinet over the summer. It highlights ten areas of focus: Preventative, Person-Centred, Sustainable, Equitable, High Quality and Safe, Digital & Data, Workforce, Research Development & Innovation, Co-production and Partnership, and Integration.听听
  • Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) hosted the听 (ePMA) Collaborative Networking Learning Event in Cardiff recently.听听
  • The Welsh Government听has published听, prescriptions dispensed and pharmaceutical services offered for the period April 2023 to March 2024.听听
  • The Welsh Government听published an update to the听 about NHS services.
  • As part of the collaborative effort of the Sodium Valproate Task Force established by Welsh Government, the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) announced that a hub of information focusing on 鈥�鈥� is now available.听听
  • The Welsh Government听published a call to the people of Wales to ensure they are听,听including flu and COVID-19.听听
  • This week, Sam Rowlands, MS (Welsh Conservative Spokesperson for Health) laid a听听at the Senedd听following the publication of the RPS Report ''.听听

29 November 2024

  • The All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre听(AWTTC) has published their latest听. You can also sign-up to receive the newsletter directly using the same link.听
  • This week, Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW)听announced that the first significant all-Wales upgrade to the听听had been successfully completed. It ensures the continued dispensing of 4 million items and half a billion pounds worth of medicines during 2024.听听
  • The Welsh Government听has published directions to Local Health Boards as to the statement of听听(2024).听听
  • This week, Asthma and Lung UK published ''. This new report marks two years since the publication of Welsh Government鈥檚 Quality Statement for Respiratory Disease (2022) and makes the case that urgent action must be taken to ensure respiratory care improves.听听

22 November 2024

  • The AWMSG-endorsed听听document has been updated on the AWTTC website. A new section entitled 鈥楽haring responsibility for prescribing between a private clinician and an NHS prescriber鈥� has been added, and additional minor updates have been made throughout the document. Please see the 鈥楿pdates鈥� section at the end of the document for further details.
  • The IFPMA听has released a new study outlining听, focusing on contributions to GDP, job creation, and research and development (R&D) activities globally.听
  • In World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, the Senedd Research Service听has published an article outlining the latest on听 鈥� a local, national and global issue.听听
  • The Welsh Government听has launched a听 to help more people safely return home from hospital and to ease winter pressures听on the Welsh health and care system.听听
  • This week, Plaid Cymru听released the first in a series of reports on their听听in Wales in the run up to the Welsh parliamentary elections in 2026. 鈥楾he Welsh Health System: Accountability, Performance and Culture鈥� says that governance and accountability in the NHS is currently 鈥渋nherently confused, overly complex and inimical to systematic collaboration.鈥澨�

15 November 2024

  • This week, the Welsh Government published the report from the听.听A听听from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care was published and you can also see The Welsh Government's full听听to the recommendations.
  • The Welsh Government听has launched a听听to help more people safely return home听from听hospital and to ease winter pressures on our health and care system.

11 November 2024

  • The 魅影直播 has published an accessible and clear on our website of The Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAG) Scheme. It sets out summaries on different components of the VPAG, including its three core objectives 鈥� promoting better patient outcomes and a healthier population; contributing to a financially sustainable NHS; and supporting UK economic growth 鈥� and supporting detail on how industry is working with the UK Government to deliver them. 听听
  • The All Wales Common Ailments Service Formulary document has been updated on the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) website. have been made to sections on 鈥楥onstipation鈥� and 鈥楧ry skin.鈥�
  • The AWTTC has commented on recent , announced this week by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). 听听听
  • On the 5th of November, Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, gave an oral to the Senedd on the escalation arrangements for NHS Wales organisations. 听听
  • This week, the Senedd Research Service published a new article on .听

01 November 2024

  • The Welsh Government has published an assessment of the vaccination programme alongside a . Both have been undertaken by the Vaccine Programme Wales and Public Health Wales, who work closely with Welsh Government.听
  • The Welsh Government has published an on the AI Commission for Health and Social Care, which supports the guidance of the AI and digital regulations service (AIDRS). 听听
  • The Welsh NHS Confederation Annual Conference takes place next Wednesday, 6th of November 2024. The Conference is now sold out.

25 October 2024

  • Following endorsement by the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group听(AWMSG) in October 2024, the 鈥� position statement is now available on the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre听(AWTTC) website.听 听
  • The 魅影直播 was one of 47 organisations (including Royal Colleges and patient groups) that, this week, wrote to Welsh Government asking for a national cross-government delivery plan to .听
  • The Welsh NHS Confederation has published the second in their "explainer series" of articles on the NHS in Wales. This explainer is on the .听
  • AWTTC has launched a consultation asking for comments on their 鈥�: information for patients' publication. The leaflet is intended for patients, and their families and carers in Wales, and also for healthcare professionals who are involved in prescribing and dispensing medicines for which there is a medicine shortage.
  • The Welsh Government has published an on the scientific evidence available on long-COVID.
  • The Welsh NHS Confederation will be hosting their on the 6th of November 2024, you can for this event now.

18 October 2024

  • The 2024鈥�2025: Analysis of Prescribing Data to June 2024 document has been prepared by the Welsh Analytical Prescribing Support Unit.
  • Health and Care Research Wales are undertaking a prioritisation project, to identify the 鈥榰nanswered questions鈥� and gaps in research around communication on all aspects of the aged 16 and above.
  • The Welsh Government have launched a blog to help inform public understanding by providing factual information about their policies. is an open resource to help people fact check and clarify claims made about Welsh Government policies.听
  • From Wednesday 9th October, 50-year-olds registered with a GP in Wales will be offered for the first time and will receive a screening kit in the post. 听听
  • Following endorsement by the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) in September 2024, the is now available on the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) website.听
  • The Life Sciences Hub Wales have published their (2023/24) this week. The report showcases "outstanding projects where innovation is improving lives and delivering economic benefits across Wales". 听听听听
  • The Welsh NHS Confederation will be hosting their on the 6th of November 2024, you can for this event now.

11 October 2024

  • The following All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) recommendations have been ratified by Welsh Government:
    • Galsulfase (Naglazyme庐) for long-term enzyme replacement therapy in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis VI (MPS VI; N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfatase deficiency; Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome) - AWTTC Ref 155
    • Miglustat (Zavesca庐) for the treatment of progressive neurological manifestations in adult patients and paediatric patients with Niemann-Pick type C disease - AWTTC Ref 371
  • The Senedd Research Service has published a new article on .听
  • The Welsh NHS Confederation team has contacted us about their conference, which is now being held on the 6th of November 2024. The full for the day is has been published and you can for the event.

04 October 2024

  • The All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) has published the 2023-2024 Individual Patient Funding Request (IPFR) .听
  • This week, the Welsh Government published details of a new , which will sit outside NHS Wales and provide review of the existing arrangements in place to support improvements. 听
  • Public Health Wales is hosting a webinar on the 鈥樷�� on 10th of October from 10:30am until noon. 听听

30 September 2024

  • On the 17th of September, the First Minister announced her . In Health (鈥業echyd da鈥� - A Healthier Wales) this includes cutting NHS waiting times, including for mental health, improving access to social care, and services for women鈥檚 health.听听
  • Following publication of the latest NHS Wales performance data (), the new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles made a .听
  • On Monday, 30th of September the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social care published a written statement: .听听
  • The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care has also made a statement on .听
  • Welsh Government has published its following the recent Cabinet reshuffle, which includes senior civil service roles. The newly announced Cabinet responsibilities are available .听
  • The Welsh Parliament / Senedd Cymru has appointed as Committee Chairs:听
    • Hannah Blythyn MS - Chair of the Standards of Conduct Committee
    • Carolyn Thomas MS - Chair of the Petitions Committee听
  • Please note the following Members of the Senedd have been elected to committees:听
    • Mick Antoniw MS and John Griffiths MS to the Standards of Conduct Committee
    • Vaughan Gething MS to the Petitions Committee and Children, Young People, and Education Committee 听
    • Lesley Griffiths MS to the Local Government and Housing Committee and Health and Social Care Committee
    • Hannah Blythyn MS to the Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs CommitteeMick Antoniw MS to the Equality and Social Justice Committee
    • Rhianon Passmore MS to the Wales COVID-19 Inquiry Special Purpose Committee
  • The following One Wales Medicines Assessment Group (OWMAG) recommendations have been endorsed by the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) and ratified by Welsh Government:
  • The Senedd Research Service have published a new article on Ophthalmology waiting lists in Wales.听
  • The All Wales document has been updated on the AWTTC website. Updates have been made to sections on 鈥楢thlete鈥檚 foot,鈥� 鈥楧ry eye disease鈥� and 鈥楻ingworm.鈥� Further information is detailed in the 鈥楿pdates鈥� section of the document.听 听
  • The 魅影直播鈥檚 Code of Practice is the industry鈥檚 commitment to operate in a professional, ethical, and transparent manner, for the benefit of patients and the public. Following an extensive consultation which received over 3,000 comments, the is now published. It will formally come into effect next week, Tuesday 1st October.听 听
  • Public Health Wales is hosting a webinar on the ': A Way Forward' on 10th of October from 10.30am until noon.听 听

13 September 2024

  • The Senedd Research Service has published a new article on 'What you need to know in Wales'.听 听
  • The Welsh Government has published the latest report on special measures, which sets out the progress the health board has made between April and June 2024.听 听
  • The Welsh NHS Confederation will have their annual conference on the 6th of November, you can now for the event.

06 September 2024

  • The Welsh NHS Confederation have published the first in a series of explainers, in advance of the Welsh Senedd elections in 2026, on the NHS in Wales. This focuses on ''.听
  • The new programme launched this week, and will provide protection against the most common childhood respiratory infection for the first time in Wales.听听
  • The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru have today published initial proposals for . This follows The Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act which instructed the commission to make recommendations for 16 constituencies to replace the current 40 constituencies and 5 regions. The new constituencies will take effect at the 2026 Senedd election and 6 Members of the Senedd will be elected from each constituency.听 听

30 August 2024

  • This week, the Department of Health and Social Care launched the VPAG Investment Programme. . The press release included a quote from Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Welsh Government, who also agreed a memorandum of understanding with the UK Government covering the terms of the Investment Programme.
  • The Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Centre of Excellence has published a new call for proposals aimed at addressing in Wales and Northern Ireland.听 听
  • Audit Wales has concluded that the recently published NHS accounts give a true and fair view of those bodies鈥� . Whilst the seven health boards in Wales all failed to meet their statutory duty to break even over a three-year period, the three NHS trusts and two special health authorities all met their duty to break even. 听
  • Welsh Government has announced the appointment of . Starting on 1st of December for a four-year term, Pippa Britton will join Public Health Wales, having been Vice Chair of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. 听听

23 August 2024

  • All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) is hosting the third in their 2024 series of for healthcare professionals. The next session will be held via Teams on Wednesday 2nd October 2024 from 1-2 pm. Topics include:
    • All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) Adult Asthma Management and Prescribing Guidelines (Dr Katie Pink 鈥� Consultant Respiratory Physician NHS Wales)
    • Oral Morphine Equivalence use in the AWMSG National Prescribing Indicators (Dr Katherine Chaplin 鈥� Senior Scientist AWTTC)
  • This week saw the publication of the latest (June and July 2024). The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Mark Drakeford, has made in response, as has the .听听
  • The Welsh NHS Confederation will have their annual conference on the 6th of November, you can now for the event.

19 August 2024

  • The All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) have published a new report on the .听听
  • The Welsh Government has published a written statement: .听
  • Greener Primary Care have published two new documents on their website looking at
    • Enablers and barriers to patients returning inhalers to the community pharmacy for safe disposal 鈥� Commissioned by Primary Care Division, Public Health Wales Delivered by Cardiff Metropolitan University.
    • Enablers and barriers to patients returning inhalers to the community pharmacy for safe disposal - Slide set prepared by PCD, PHW.

09 August 2024

  • The Welsh Parliament was recalled this week to nominate a new First Minister of Wales. Following a vote of the Senedd, Eluned Morgan MS was elected as the Senedd鈥檚 nominee to become the new First Minister of Wales, which was confirmed by the King later that day. Following her appointment, Mark Drakeford, MS - the former First Minister - will reprise his role as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care on an interim basis. All other Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers remain in post. It is understood that the new First Minister will announce her new cabinet in September/October.听
  • All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) have published new advice for pharmaceutical companies on the . AWTTC encourage early engagement from companies - ahead of the EAMS scientific opinion - to discuss the implementation of the medicine in NHS Wales.
  • The Welsh Government has published the final advice from the relating to eligibility for the Covid-19 autumn vaccination in 2024 and the听. Additionally, the Minister for Mental Health and Early Years, in a decision report published by the Welsh Government, has agreed to establish a Primary Care Contracted Services: Immunisations Scheme which will enable local health boards to commission primary care to deliver the RSV vaccination programme 2024 to 2025.
  • The , delivered by Innovate UK, will focus on innovation in sustainable medicines manufacturing to support global net zero commitments. They are running workshops across the UK to allow engagement with the Innovate UK team, to learn more and ask questions about the programme and network with potential collaborators. The Cardiff session takes place on the 21st of August from 11am to 1pm.听
  • The have been updated on the AWTTC website. Updates have been made to multiple sections to align with The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, these include 鈥楢cute cough, bronchitis鈥�, 鈥楢cute sore throat鈥�, 鈥楾ravellers鈥� diarrhoea鈥�, and 鈥業nfectious diarrhoea鈥�. In addition, 鈥極phthalmic shingles鈥� has been updated following discussion with Optometry Wales. Further information is detailed in the 鈥楿pdates鈥� section of the document. The accompanying prescribing has also been updated to reflect changed made to the 鈥楢cute cough, bronchitis鈥� and 鈥楢cute sore throat鈥� sections in the Primary care antimicrobial guidelines.

02 August 2024

  • The Welsh Parliament has been recalled during its summer break to , following the resignation of Vaughan Gething MS.听The Senedd will meet on Tuesday 6th of August, 2024 at 11:00am.
  • The Welsh NHS Confederation's chair, Jonathan Morgan, wrote for the National Health Executive on the in their latest edition. 听听
  • The latest 听 is now available covering January 鈥� March 2024, featuring news from:
    • Patient Access to Medicines Service (PAMS)
    • Welsh Analytical Prescribing Support Unit (WAPSU)
    • Welsh National Poisons Unit (WNPU)
    • Yellow Card Centre (YCC) Wales
  • The Welsh Government have published a written statement discussing the in Wales.
  • Following endorsement by The All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) in May 2024, the All Wales guidance for in adults in secondary care is now available on the AWTTC website. 听听
  • This week, the Welsh Government published a written statement containing their response to the on the UK Government鈥檚 spending inheritance. 听听

26 July 2024

  • The Analysis of Prescribing Data to March 2024 document has been prepared by the Welsh Analytical Prescribing Support Unit.
  • Health Technology Wales have recently published their . 听听
  • This week, the Welsh Government has published updated figures for its NHS services. 听听
  • All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) have published an update to their document. 听听
  • The Senedd Research Service has published a short piece on the Welsh Government's progress toward .
  • The Welsh Government have published their response to the Health and Social Care Committee鈥檚 report 鈥� (Wales) Act 2016: Post-legislative scrutiny'.听听

19 July 2024

  • This week, the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care published a written statement outlining the ongoing for Health Boards and Trusts across Wales.
  • Health Boards across Wales (and Velindre NHS Trust) have published their Annual Report and Accounts for 2023-24 this week. They are accessible via the links below:
  • The latest was published this week, alongside a raft of other health activity data. The Welsh Government have released a .听
  • This week the 魅影直播 published a report on .
  • The听听will have their annual conference on the听6th of November 2024听at the Cardiff City Stadium. If you are interested, there will be听听opportunities.

12 July 2024

  • The latest briefing from the Welsh NHS Confederation highlights examples of how the of the population across Wales.
  • The Senedd Research Service have published a new resource: , offering practical support.
  • Public Health Network Cymru - who aim to connect people, share knowledge and create change for a better Wales - have just launched a new presence on .听
  • The following All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) recommendation has been ratified by Welsh Government:
    • Cytisine is recommended as an option for use within NHS Wales for smoking cessation and reduction of nicotine cravings in smokers who are willing to stop smoking.
      AWTTC Ref (3708)

05 July 2024

  • With support from 魅影直播 Cymru Wales and British Heart Foundation (BHF), this week the brought together representatives from the third sector, researchers, universities, and the pharmaceutical industry at the Senedd to highlight medical research and innovations.
  • All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) have reshared their new , use and disposal in Wales.
  • The Welsh Government has published an , concerning medication and weight loss.
  • Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has . Dr David Fluck joins Cardiff from St Peter鈥檚 Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Surrey.
  • Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) have published a outlining the role they will play in the delivery of health and care services. This is the first long-term strategy from DHCW since it was established as a Special Health Authority in 2021.听

28 June 2024

  • The Welsh Parliament Research Service have published a 听recognising its implications for Wales.

21 June 2024

  • 魅影直播 Cymru Wales is helping to support the Welsh Parliament / Senedd Cymru Cross Party Group on Medical Research Showcase in Cardiff on 3rd of July 2024. Whilst all the spaces to exhibit have now been taken, you can register to attend the event by contacting Susan quoting "Cross Party Group - Medical Research Showcase - 3rd July 2024".听
  • The have published a response to the latest for April and May 2024.
  • The will have their annual conference on the 6th of November 2024 at the Cardiff City Stadium. If you are interested, there will be opportunities.
  • The is holding its next meeting on the 8th of July, at the Wales Genomic Health Centre, Cardiff Edge (Longwood Drive, Cardiff, CF14 7YT) and virtually via Teams. The meeting will include key note presentations from Eluned Morgan MS, Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care, Welsh Government, and Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientist, Scottish Government on the approach for tackling cancer through working with industry in Wales, and the experience of working with Industry in Scotland respectively.

14 June 2024

  • 魅影直播 Cymru Wales is helping to support the Welsh Parliament / Senedd Cymru Cross Party Group on Medical Research Showcase in Cardiff on 3rd of July 2024. You can register to attend the event by contacting Susan quoting "Cross Party Group - Medical Research Showcase - 3rd July 2024".
  • AWTTC have recently published some new resources on , which AWMSG endorsed in September 2022.
  • This week saw a debate on the Welsh Government's .

07 June 2024

  • Digital Health and Care Wales have shared information on Diabetes View, a new collation of information available to those Health Boards using Diabetes Consultation Note.
  • 魅影直播 Cymru Wales is helping to support the Welsh Parliament / Senedd Cymru Cross Party Group on Medical Research Showcase in Cardiff on 3rd of July 2024. Whilst all the spaces to exhibit have now been taken, you can register to attend the event by contacting Susan quoting "Cross Party Group - Medical Research Showcase - 3rd July 2024".

31 May 2024

  • The Health and Social Care (Wales) Bill was introduced into the Senedd recently. The Senedd Research Service has updated its resource pages to, pull together key publications to support scrutiny of the Bill. It will be updated as the Bill makes its way through the Senedd鈥檚 legislative process.
  • The Senedd Research Service has this week published an article on the gynaecological cancers debate.
  • Digital Health and Care Wales have announced that "Digital Medicines" is the new name for their programmes and projects that are transforming medicines and prescribing processes in Wales. The Digital Medicines Transformation Portfolio has now been included in the wider portfolio of national programmes managed by DHCW. The programmes and projects are:
    • Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) in primary care
    • electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (ePMA) in secondary care
    • Shared Medicines Record
    • Patient access to medicines information through the NHS Wales App
  • This week, the Welsh Government Economy Secretary, Jeremy Miles, announced 拢900,000 funding for 5 projects which promise to deliver real-life medical benefits through cutting edge life sciences technology.
  • 魅影直播 Cymru Wales is helping to support the Welsh Parliament / Senedd Cymru Cross Party Group on Medical Research Showcase in Cardiff on 3rd of July 2024. If you want any further details about this event, please contact the office in the first instance.

24 May 2024

  • AWMSG recently acknowledged the Systemic Anti-cancer Therapy (SACT) resources - Guideline for prevention and management of tumour lysis syndrome. One of the primary goals for the Cancer Network is for its Systemic Anti-cancer Therapy (SACT) leads to produce a set of All Wales protocols and supporting guidelines, which can drive harmonisation of practice across Wales and facilitate a move to a single SACT ePrescribing system. This specific guideline is for healthcare professionals delivering SACT for adult patients with malignant disease and aims to standardise the management of tumour lysis syndrome.听
  • Welsh Government have recently ratified the following AWMSG decisions: o Opicapone (Ongentys庐) is recommended as an option for use within NHS Wales as adjunctive therapy to preparations of levodopa/DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors (DDCI) in adult patients with Parkinson鈥檚 disease and end-of-dose motor fluctuations who cannot be stabilised on those combinations. AWTTC Ref 5285 o Alglucosidase alfa (Myozyme庐) is recommended as an option for use within NHS Wales for long-term enzyme replacement therapy in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Pompe disease (acid 伪-glucosidase deficiency). Myozyme庐 is indicated in adults and paediatric patients of all ages. AWTTC Ref 17
  • The Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care has agreed the appointment of Nick Elliot as interim Chair to Public Health Wales NHS Trust from 01 June 2024. Please note that a link to the decision report is unavailable.
  • This week, the Welsh Government published the latest NHS statistics for Wales, with the associated press release.
  • Following review by the One Wales Medicines Assessment Group (OWMAG), the One Wales Interim Decisions for the following medicines have been noted by AWMSG and ratified by Welsh Government.
    • Infliximab for the treatment of refractory pulmonary sarcoidosis that has not responded to corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants
    • Ustekinumab (Stelara庐鈻�) for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in children and young people aged 6 to 17 years: for ulcerative colitis following loss of response, non-response or intolerance to anti-TNF therapies and vedolizumab; for Crohn鈥檚 disease following loss of response, non-response or intolerance to anti-TNF therapies
    • Vedolizumab (Entyvio庐) for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in children and young people aged 6 to 17 years: for ulcerative colitis following loss of response or non-response to anti-TNF treatment; for Crohn鈥檚 disease following loss of response or non-response to anti-TNF treatment and ustekinumab

17 May 2024

  • Last week, the Welsh Government published 'The Directions to Local Health Boards and NHS Trusts in Wales 2003 and the Managed Introduction of New Medicines into the National Health Service in Wales Directions 2009 (Amendment) (Wales) Directions 2024' which can be found on the Welsh government website. The associated Welsh Health Circular is now available.
  • The AWTTC Newsletter was recently published, highlighting the work that has been undertaken over the last few months.
  • The Welsh NHS Confederation have published an infographic highlighting their impact in Wales.

10 May 2024

  • Last week, the Welsh Government published 'The Directions to Local Health Boards and NHS Trusts in Wales 2003 and the Managed Introduction of New Medicines into the National Health Service in Wales Directions 2009 (Amendment) (Wales) Directions 2024'.
  • The Welsh Government have published a written statement on the publication of the UK Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan 2024-29.
  • The Welsh Government has published new guidance on medicines shortages.
  • The One Wales Medicines Advisory Group (OWMAG) have recommended using dabrafenib and trametinib together to treat anaplastic thyroid cancer if it has a particular genetic variant called BRAF V600E. The All Wales Medicines Strategy Group endorsed the decision and Welsh Government ratified it in April 2024.
  • The Senedd Research Service has published an article, examining efforts to reduce the NHS waiting list backlog.

03 May 2024

  • This week, the Welsh Government published 'The Directions to Local Health Boards and NHS Trusts in Wales 2003 and the Managed Introduction of New Medicines into the National Health Service in Wales Directions 2009 (Amendment) (Wales) Directions 2024'. We await the publication of the associated Welsh Health Circular.
  • Following an 魅影直播 Cymru Wales event at the Senedd last week, Russell George MS has published a Statement of Opinion. This welcomes the work of the 魅影直播 in producing bilingual material for children on the importance of medicines, and commends the Your Medicines, Your Health campaign (Cwm Taf University Health Board).
  • This week, the Welsh NHS Confederation welcomed their new chair Jonathan Morgan, chair of member organisation Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.
  • The following AWMSG recommendation has been ratified by Welsh Government:
    • Trifarotene (Aklief庐鈻�) is recommended as an option for use within NHS Wales for the cutaneous treatment of Acne Vulgaris of the face and/or the trunk in patients from 12 years of age and older, when many comedones, papules and pustules are present. AWTTC Ref (3153)
  • The Senedd Cymru Health and Social Care Committee has published its Spring Update. It includes an invitation to participate in an Area of Research Interest (ARI) on health literacy. The Committee will use the information gathered through the ARI repository to scope and support its future work, in line with its strategy for the Sixth Senedd.
  • The Health and Social Care Committee at Senedd Cymru has published two reports following pre-appointment hearings for the Chair positions at Hywel Dda University Health Board and Swansea Bay University Health Board. In both cases, the Committee found that there was no reason why the Welsh Government鈥檚 preferred candidate should not be appointed to the post of Chair. The candidates are, Neil Wooding (Hywel Dda University Health Board), and Jan Williams (Swansea Bay University Health Board).
  • Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) have published their latest Stakeholder Bulletin.
  • Public Health Wales is urging parents and carers to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine to avoid catching measles as cases rise in an outbreak in Gwent.
  • Advanced Therapies Wales have opened registration to their Symposium 2024, to be held at the St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff on the 15th of May 2024.听

26 April 2024

  • The National Prescribing Indicators 2023鈥�2024: Analysis of Prescribing Data to December 2023 document has been prepared by the Welsh Analytical Prescribing Support Unit.
  • Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) has announced that the pharmacy system supplier Invatech has been given the green light to roll out its technology across Wales. Completion of successful live testing at a site in North Wales makes Invatech the first of the community pharmacy system suppliers to be ready for wider use across Wales. The new Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) allows GP surgeries to send prescriptions electronically to the patient鈥檚 choice of community pharmacy, without the need for a paper form.
  • Advanced Therapies Wales have opened registration to their Symposium 2024, to be held at the St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff on the 15th of May 2024.

19 April 2024

  • The All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) have published their new five-year strategy. The AWMSG Strategy for Wales 2024-2029 aligns to the priorities of both NHS Wales and Welsh Government, and aims to play an important part in ensuring all people in Wales can receive health services that meet their needs. AWMSG will collaborate with key partner organisations across NHS Wales to work towards meeting
    their four ambitions:
  • improving outcomes for patients;
    • ensuring the right medicines are available at the right time;
    • minimising medicines-related harm and improving safety; and
    • optimising the value the NHS achieves from its investments in medicines.
  • The Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Eluned Morgan, published a response to the NHS Wales performance data 鈥� February and March 2024, which was also published this week.
  • Please see below two Welsh Government statistical releases that came out this week:
    • NHS expenditure programme budgets: April 2022 to March 2023, 16 April 2024 - NHS expenditure by programme of care allocated based on the medical condition (ICD10) the expenditure relates to for April 2022 to March 2023.
    • Health Maps Wales: 2023, 16 April 2024 - An interactive tool which includes data on hospital admissions, cancer incidence, mortality and fertility rates.
  • Advanced Therapies Wales have opened registration to their Symposium 2024, to be held at the St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff on the 15th of May 2024.

22 March 2024

  • On Saturday, 16th of March, Welsh Labour announced their new leader, Vaughan Gething. He won the election by a small margin (51.7% / 48.3%) from his only contender, Jeremy Miles.
  • On Tuesday, 19th of March, Mark Drakeford stood down from his role as First Minister of Wales. Following a vote in the Welsh Parliament / Senedd Cymru, Vaughan Gething will replace him. We anticipate that an updated programme of government will be
    announced in July (before the Summer Recess), but is very likely to follow some of the promises made in his manifesto from the election campaign.
  • On Thursday, 21st of March, a new cabinet was announced. Eluned Morgan has remained with the health and social services remit and Jeremy Miles has been given economy, energy, and Welsh language.
  • Of note, the Welsh Government has reverted to using "Cabinet Secretary of...", with Minister reserved for more junior (deputy) roles.
  • Following an open public appointment process Welsh Government has announced the appointment of Neil Wooding as Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board and Jan Williams as Chair of Swansea Bay University Health Board. These appointments are subject to pre-appointment hearings which are taking place on the 25 April 2024.
  • The Welsh Government has announced that using powers in accordance with Section 12(3) of the National Health Services (Wales) Act 2006, Hywel Dda University Health Board and Swansea Bay University Health Board are being directed to establish a Joint Committee to ensure the appropriate arrangements are in place to plan and deliver healthcare services on a regional basis, where appropriate to do so.
  • The Welsh Government has published a response to the latest health statistics published by Stats Wales. For the third month, overall waiting lists in Wales have fallen, although there has been an uptick in those patients waiting over a year.
  • Advanced Therapies Wales have opened registration to their Symposium 2024, to be held at the St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff on the 15th of May 2024.

Last modified: 28 March 2025

Last reviewed: 28 March 2025