2009 resolution to the WAG “Don’t leave doctors out in the cold this New Year”

As Chair of Welsh Council, I, like Richard would like to wish everyone all the best for the New Year. I'd also like to elaborate on Richard's comments about the challenging times facing doctors in the Welsh NHS, in 2009.

As we face another reorganisation of the NHS we could well ask ourselves "what is different about this one, from the numerous ones we have faced in the past?" This is a good and important question.

I think this one is different because of the underlying change of direction. That is, to dismantle the market place, the purchaser-provider split, with a return to a strategic planning of services. Also, the stated Ministerial aim to put doctors and other healthcare professionals back into the centre of decision making in the NHS and the services for patients, is to be welcomed.

We need to now be considering how best to be involved in the process of planning patient services in this new system. I know many of us will have doubts and bad past experiences. We have all had those. But I think we have a good opportunity now to get back to being influential, to be listened to and helping to change patient services, instead of having changes imposed on us, by those often furthest away from actual patient care.

If we don't get involved now, I think we will miss the chance that may not occur again for another 5 to 10 years. That will be damaging to patients and the care they receive.

But that said, as we doctors reflect on how best to involve ourselves in a way that best benefits our patients in the new Welsh NHS proposals, we would urge the Welsh Assembly Government and those who manage health services in Wales to make a New Year's resolution...don't let the commitment to a greater involvement of doctors and other health professionals be a passing phase, or one of those New Year's resolutions that start with good intentions but fade quickly as the New Year moves on. The medical profession in Wales is eager to rise to the challenge of making these new reforms work for the people of Wales - don't lose our confidence and trust by reneging on that Resolution and side-stepping doctors. This is a pivotal point for the NHS in Wales. Don't risk throwing away the seasonal goodwill of the profession in Wales.

Andrew Dearden,

Chair of BMA's Welsh Council

Dedication of doctors in Wales shines through

On the Friday before Christmas, one of my relatives unfortunately had a fall and fractured a wrist. I had to accompany my relative to our local Accident and Emergency Department, at a well-known Trust in Wales. I have to say that the whole experience - while not one I doubt anyone would particularly choose - couldn't really have gone much better.

After a reasonable wait in the A&E department, with a computer system that easily found my relative’s details, we were quickly ushered into the treatment area. From the initial examination and assessment by an able, capable and professional young Casualty doctor, through to the x-ray department and the high-tech digital x-ray facilities, to the Treatment Room and reduction of the fracture through to recovery and an overnight stay on the Ward - the whole experience demonstrated yet again the absolute dedication and professionalism of doctors in Wales and other healthcare professionals.

Irrespective of political and managerial reform of health services in Wales, or elsewhere, the one abiding and unchanging aspect of health is the need of the individual and the skill and the dedication of the doctors able to deliver it.

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.

Selfishness could cost lives

With the many stories that are in the Welsh media on an almost daily basis about people waiting hours for an ambulance to turn up, I find it staggering that it’s reported in the Western Mail today that people seem to think it OK to call 999 because their cat had a cut paw. Or, because they can’t reach the TV remote control. Surely I’m not the only one who thinks this completely absurd and an absolute waste of time and money. I think by now, most of us are aware of the extra pressures on the Welsh NHS at this time year. We’ve already had an exceptionally cold winter, with hospitals across South East Wales struggling to cope with the demand for beds. So time wasters ringing for an ambulance, when it quite clearly isn’t an emergency, does no one any favours, least of all those who GENUINELY need the help of paramedics.

In this season of goodwill to all, perhaps it would be a good idea to be a bit more considerate and only dial 999 in an absolute emergency.

New junior doctors DVD - training the best to be the best

The BMA in Wales hopes a new video, aimed at medical students will help to put Wales on the training map.

BMA Cymru's worked with the Wales Deanery for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education, to produce this DVD for students, giving an invaluable insight into medical training here.

The aim of the video is to “sell” Wales as a key destination to study medicine and to attract more junior doctors to apply, to complete their postgraduate training here.

The series of short films focuses on five different specialties – Anaesthesia, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Pathology and Psychiatry. It was shot on location at hospitals around Wales, with junior doctors and their seniors revealing in their own words, some of the highlights of training, working and living, in Wales.

Wales has a great deal to offer, both in terms of quality of life and the quality of training provided and this is clear throughout the series of short films. The nation can more than “hold its own” with the best of the rest that the UK has to offer.

All doctors who are short-listed for interview will receive a hard copy of the film film, as part of their information pack.

Some BMA members may spot themselves on the small screen, no doubt Oscar glory now beckons!!!