I would like to wish all our members and regular observers of my blog a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
2010 will inevitably bring with it huge challenges to the NHS in Wales, particularly in the light of financial uncertainty and real cuts in funding of public services. However, whatever the New Year brings you can rest assured that BMA Cymru will continue to be at the forefront of discussions, striving to improve the health of the people of Wales by representing the doctors who care for them. We believe doctors in Wales can provide the medical leadership needed to ensure NHS Wales delivers the services that will improve outcomes for our patients. While service delivery is important, so too is the training of the doctors of the future; one cannot be sacrificed for the other if we are truly to create sustainable excellence in healthcare attracting and retaining the very best doctors to Wales.
BMA Cymru looks forward to working hard on behalf of its members in 2010, and sends Seasons Greetings to all - especially those working for our patients over the holiday period.
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Our booze culture
The Western Mail has reported today that the number of people admitted to hospital with alcohol-related conditions has risen by 30% in five years.
These figures are unsettling. The population is drinking more and our society is awash with pro-alcohol messaging, marketing and behaviour.
Over the festive period, the admissions to A&E for alcohol misuse will put a huge strain on NHS resources. Intoxicated patients are dealt with by a variety of medical staff and even security guards if they are violent and abusive. Added to this are the costs of tests and treatment, and if the patient is then sent to a hospital bed on a ward, the costs mount up even further.
Supermarkets offering cut price deals and drinks promotions in pubs and clubs exacerbate the problem as people indulge over this period. All these promotional activities serve to normalise alcohol as an essential part of every day life. It is no surprise that young people are drawn to alcohol - when it is cheaper than bottled water, we have to worry about what message we are sending our children.
Alcohol misuse causes family breakdowns, is a major factor in domestic violence, is often related to crime and disorderly behaviour and it kills. It is related to over 60 medical conditions including heart and liver disease, diabetes, strokes and mental health problems. The public should be made aware of the serious risks associated with drinking, so that they can make informed decisions about how much alcohol they are consuming.
Alcohol can be an enjoyable part of social and cultural life especially over Christmas. But the growing booze culture is creating serious problems for the future. Sometimes people may not even be aware that they are drinking too much – it is easy to do. It is important to keep track of how much you are drinking. We would like to see people enjoying alcohol sensibly without over doing it.
Are you a healthcare professional who has dealt with patients who have been admitted due to alcohol misuse? Share your experiences with us.
These figures are unsettling. The population is drinking more and our society is awash with pro-alcohol messaging, marketing and behaviour.
Over the festive period, the admissions to A&E for alcohol misuse will put a huge strain on NHS resources. Intoxicated patients are dealt with by a variety of medical staff and even security guards if they are violent and abusive. Added to this are the costs of tests and treatment, and if the patient is then sent to a hospital bed on a ward, the costs mount up even further.
Supermarkets offering cut price deals and drinks promotions in pubs and clubs exacerbate the problem as people indulge over this period. All these promotional activities serve to normalise alcohol as an essential part of every day life. It is no surprise that young people are drawn to alcohol - when it is cheaper than bottled water, we have to worry about what message we are sending our children.
Alcohol misuse causes family breakdowns, is a major factor in domestic violence, is often related to crime and disorderly behaviour and it kills. It is related to over 60 medical conditions including heart and liver disease, diabetes, strokes and mental health problems. The public should be made aware of the serious risks associated with drinking, so that they can make informed decisions about how much alcohol they are consuming.
Alcohol can be an enjoyable part of social and cultural life especially over Christmas. But the growing booze culture is creating serious problems for the future. Sometimes people may not even be aware that they are drinking too much – it is easy to do. It is important to keep track of how much you are drinking. We would like to see people enjoying alcohol sensibly without over doing it.
Are you a healthcare professional who has dealt with patients who have been admitted due to alcohol misuse? Share your experiences with us.
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Season's Greetings
Wishing all our members and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
There will be big challenges for the Welsh NHS and all those who work in it, in 2009, none more so than the plans to restructure the service.
We will make sure BMA Cymru Wales plays as full a part in the consultation as is possible, starting with the BMA's Policy Day on January 7th.
Best wishes to one and all.
There will be big challenges for the Welsh NHS and all those who work in it, in 2009, none more so than the plans to restructure the service.
We will make sure BMA Cymru Wales plays as full a part in the consultation as is possible, starting with the BMA's Policy Day on January 7th.
Best wishes to one and all.
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