Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service

Right now more than 490 people across Wales are desperately waiting for a transplant to save or transform their lives. Because of the desperate shortage of donors though many face the reality of having to wait years before getting that second chance a transplant could give them, while others may sadly die.

We know that whilst 7 in 10 people would like to be on the organ donor register,  less than 3 in 10 are. The harsh reality is, not joining the organ donor register is costing live. Someone in Wales dies every 11 days whilst they are waiting.

You have the power to change this by talking about your donation wishes with your family and friends and joining the biggest life-saving club in Wales – the Organ Donor Register. More than 810,000 people already have, but that still means 72% of the population in Wales can do their bit.

Embracing the Challenges – Changing Conditions at Cardiff City Hall, November 10-11th 2010

Interest in chronic conditions management has grown considerably in the last five years, but has care improved? Has a focus on prevention worked? What have we learnt so far?

This conference draws on the expertise of leading international experts to prevent illness, improve services and find sustainable and affordable solutions for the future.

A collaboration between the Welsh Assembly Government, Welsh NHS Confederation, National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcare (NLIAH) and Public Health Wales, this conference demonstrates the unique integrated approach to health and social care in Wales.

Further information and booking forms can be found here.

Non-emergency patient transport enables people to access outpatient, day treatment and other services at NHS hospitals. The closing date for comments is 6th June 2010.  For full information about this consultation go to the Welsh Assembly Government website.

NHS Direct Wales has now launched its Welsh language Online Enquiry Service. The Online Enquiry Service can be accessed through the NHS Direct Wales website and allows users to ask questions on a wide range of general health related topics including common conditions, local NHS services, patient’s rights and healthy living. From today, you can now choose to ask your question and receive your reply in Welsh.

The Evaluation is now available for download on our volunteer page.

The Welsh Assembly Government is seeking to appoint volunteer members to the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Community Health Council. CHCs are the public’s independent ‘watchdog’ in the National Health Service in Wales. They represent the public interest and play an important role in influencing the way that health services are planned, delivered and improved. The Abertawe Bro Morgannwg CHC will be established from 1 April 2010 with the following Local Committees:

• Neath Port Talbot
• Bridgend
• Swansea

Each Local Committee will have three third sector places, nominated by the relevant County Voluntary Council. The CHC is looking for people from all walks of life – the most important requirement is a genuine interest in improving health services for your community. Some key skills which would be useful include: an interest in and understanding of local health issues; being able to work in a team and with a diverse range of people; and an ability to listen to others and exchange views. For more information go to our employment page.

Closing date for responses is 28th April 2010. For more information go to the Welsh Assembly Government website.

The Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas has outlined proposals to improve the lives of carers with the publishing of the proposed Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure. For more information please visit the Welsh Assembly Government website.

A copy of the Community Plan Partnership Annual Seminar Report from 4th November 2009 is now available to download online.

Health Minister Edwina Hart has announced that women in Wales will have access to two cycles of IVF treatment free on the NHS from April next year.
Source: Welsh Assembly Government Website