Policy Statements and Initiatives
WAG: A new campaign to reduce the amount of wasted medicines has been launched by the Welsh Assembly Government. More than 250 tons of out of date, surplus & redundant medicines are returned each year to pharmacies and dispensing GP surgeries across Wales at an estimated cost of £50m to the NHS.
This is in addition to medicines that are probably disposed of incorrectly through household waste.
This is in addition to medicines that are probably disposed of incorrectly through household waste.
The campaign includes radio adverts and leaflets distributed by GPs surgeries & pharmacies. Patients receiving prescription medicines will be handed advice such as ensuring they order the right amounts of medicines and do not stockpile drugs.
Press release ~ Leaflets & posters - Wasting medicines wastes money! ~ Free Prescriptions Three Years On
BIS: A new website which explains the science behind the headlines on climate change was launched last week by Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Sir John Beddington. The website presents an overview of some of the most important areas of study in climate science, to help anyone wishing to get beyond the day-to-day headlines to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental scientific issues involved.
For those uncertain about the state of scientific knowledge, the web resource explains both where evidence is well established and where findings & projections remain subject to greater uncertainty.
CLG: Communities Minister, Andrew Stunell, last week celebrated the success of graduates in a pioneering scheme that helps people of all ethnic backgrounds achieve their potential. He spoke at the graduation ceremony for participants in the First Steps and Black on Board programmes, both supported by Communities and Local Government, which offer training & support for people starting up social enterprises or looking to increase their influence in the local community.
DH: A huge cultural shift is required across health services in order to meet the needs of children & young people and take the service from its current ‘mediocre state’, according to Professor Sir Ian Kennedy’s review published last week.
The review, Getting it right for children and young people - Overcoming cultural barriers in the NHS so as to meet their needs, states that the single most important change in the NHS will be able to make sure children’s health services are prioritised, as highly as adult services are, from ‘minus nine months’; the moment a child is conceived – See also ‘Consultations’ section for related DH item.
Press release ~ Getting it right for children and young people - Overcoming cultural barriers in the NHS so as to meet their needs
FSA: Ministers have confirmed to the Food Standards Agency that the GM (genetic modification) dialogue project will NOT continue in its current format. The details of the Government’s policy on the use of GM technology in food & agriculture are still being determined and any future public engagement will be an element of this.
ScotGov: Creativity will be placed at the centre of Scottish education following the launch of the Education and Culture Action Plan last week. The Plan brings together the education & cultural sectors to provide exciting learning experiences to ignite children's imaginations and help them develop their creative skills.
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