Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service

The UK government has now produced leaflets on Swine Flu available in 15 languages for local faith communities to be aware of measures to take regarding this outbreak.  This information is available for all to access and download from the Welsh Assembly Government website at http://wales.gov.uk/topics/health/protection/communicabledisease/swine/advice/leaflets/info/?lang=en

To order more copies of leaflets on swine flu, either translations or alternative formats, you can send the order form (details can be found on the last page of the English Leaflet) or simply call 08001 513 513 to make an order.

The Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee has agreed to undertake an inquiry into the use and regulation of sunbeds in Wales and is calling for those with an interest or expertise in this area to submit written evidence. Please find attached the background and guidance for witnesses.

Please find below the Executive appointments to ABM Health Board:

Director of Finance: Eifion Williams,

Medical Director: Bruce Ferguson

Director of Nursing: Victoria Franklin,

Director of Planning: Paul Stauber

Director of Workforce Planning and Organisational Development: Debbie Morgan

Director of Primary Care and Mental Health Services: Alexandra Howells

The details of the appointments made to the Executive Director positions in respect of the new Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Local Health Board were released in a bulletin on 10th June 2009.

In the Pink Swansea Canal and River Walk is to be held on Sunday 21st June 2009 to raise money for Breast Cancer Research.  Registration can be completed in the Arts Centre Pontardawe, online at www.inthepinkbreastcancer.co.uk or on the day.  The registration fee is £3.85.  For full details contact: 01495 308883, or www.pinkwalks.co.uk

The Welsh Assembly Government is issuing daily updates regarding the Swine Flu situation which details the number of cases and their locations throughout the UK.  It summarises the global effects and the figures around the spread of Swine Flu.   It also provides detailed and current information on prevention and precautions and the control measures which the UK government has taken. For more information please go to http://wales.gov.uk/topics/health/protection/communicabledisease/swine/news/?lang=en

Please find attached supplementary information and covering letter by the Department of health for third sector organisations to facilitate planning for a potential pandemic.

The aim of this information is to bring together the UK’s planning assumptions and the Government’s response strategy for the various aspects of an influenza pandemic that will be particularly relevant to the third sector. This will enable those at various levels in all third sector organisations to consider the direct impacts that a pandemic will have on their organisations and ways in which they can protect themselves and others, whilst helping to facilitate the wider response to minimise its impacts on the most vulnerable groups of society.

The consultation on the document “Rural Health Planning - improving service delivery across Wales” has now begun.  The consultation will run for 16 weeks and can be found on the Welsh Assembly Government website. The closing date for responses is 21st August 2009. For more information go to our Consulation Page.

The proposed Climbing Higher - creating an active Wales strategic action plan focuses on ensuring that we all build physical activity into our daily routines. It forms part of Our Healthy Future, the Welsh Assembly Government’s strategic approach to improve the quality and length of life.

‘Creating an Active Wales’ recognizes the importance of having a built environment that supports people to be active and having access to green spaces. The Consultation is running for 16 weeks from 5 May 2009 - 25^th August 2009.  The plan also acknowledges the need to provide support for people to become more physically active through targeted programs that support behavioural change.  More information can be obtained on the Consultation Page.

The BBC News website has released information regarding the twenty people in Wales being investigated in connection with swine flu.   Health Minister Edwina Hart told members of the Welsh assembly there had been no confirmed cases yet in Wales.  She said the four police chief constables in Wales had been briefed and she was speaking to ministers in the rest of the UK every day.  First Minister Rhodri Morgan said on Tuesday there were enough stockpiles of anti-virals for half the population.

A leaflet has been released which outlines the signs, symptoms and precautions against Swine flu.  It also clears up frequently asked questions regarding the use of masks, the necessity of basic hygiene and preventitive measures.  The Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 will also be updated regularly.