A report said the role of the voluntary sector in Wales can be strengthened within health trusts and primary and intermediary care, particularly in helping to address the health of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, public participation, volunteering, and in developing community health and well being.
Source: Building Strong Bridges: Strengthening partnership working between the voluntary sector and the NHS in Wales, Welsh Assembly Government (029 2080 1118)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary (pdf)
Date: 2002-Nov
The Health (Wales) Bill was published and had its second reading. The government said a new role for reformed community health councils will be the main vehicle for giving the patient a greater say in healthcare decisions. The First Minister in the Welsh Assembly Government reportedly said that Wales would not follow the 'consumerist' reform agenda in England, such as plans for foundation hospitals.
Source: Health (Wales) Bill 2002, Wales Office, TSO (0870 600 5522) | House of Commons Hansard, Debate 27.11.02, columns 348-426, TSO | The Guardian, 15.11.02
Links: Text of Bill | Hansard | Guardian report
Date: 2002-Nov
The Welsh Assembly Government released a 'healthy and active lifestyles' action plan for consultation. The plan aims to increase public awareness of the health benefits of exercise, increase opportunities for physical activity and reduce the barriers that hinder active living.
Source: Healthy and Active Lifestyles in Wales: A Framework for Action, Welsh Assembly Government (029 2082 6293)
Links: Report (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2002-Nov
A report emphasised the need for joint working in the National Health Service in Wales, in order to make the best use of existing capacity.
Source: Paul Williams, A Question of Balance: A Review of Capacity in the Health Service in Wales 2002, Welsh Assembly Government (029 2082 5111) and NHS in Wales
Links: Report (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2002-Oct
A report reviewed inspections carried out on social services departments in Wales in the year 2001-02. It said that out of the eight councils inspected only two were judged to have promising prospects.
Source: Pathways to Improved Social Services in Wales: The Second Overview Report of Joint Reviews in Wales 2001-02, Audit Commission in Wales (0800 502030) and Social Services Inspectorate
Links: Report (pdf) | Report | Report (pdf) (Welsh) | Report (Welsh) | Press release
Date: 2002-Oct
The Welsh Assembly published a strategy document on health, highlighting the importance of health and well-being in everyday life and to the economy, and proposing action to reduce the differences in levels of health within Wales.
Source: Well Being in Wales, National Assembly for Wales (029 2082 5659)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary
Date: 2002-Sep
The Welsh Assembly government began consultation on a ten-year plan to overcome deficiencies in the system of palliative care, and bring all services to a uniformly high standard.
Source: A Strategic Direction for Palliative Care Services in Wales, National Assembly for Wales (029 2082 5111)
Links: Consultation Document (pdf) | Consultation Document (pdf) (Welsh) | Press release
Date: 2002-Aug
A committee of MPs expressed concern that the proposed 'Wales Centre for Health' should have its intended independence more plainly established in legislation. (The Centre would be a multi-disciplinary body bringing together the best public health surveillance and advice to support decision-making.)
Source: Draft National Health Service (Wales) Bill, Third Report (Session 2001-02), HC 959, House of Commons Welsh Affairs Select Committee, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report
Date: 2002-Jul
People affected by mental illness need good social services as well as good health services, according to social care inspectors: far more people are being successfully supported in the community than in hospital.
Source: Inspection of Adult Mental Illness Services in Wales, Social Services Inspectorate for Wales (029 2082 5655)
Links: Report (pdf) | NAW press release
Date: 2002-Jul
Many older people in Wales do not get the appropriate level of mental health care, an audit report said.
Source: Losing Time: Developing Mental Health Services for Older People in Wales, Audit Commission in Wales (0800 502030)
Links: Report (pdf) | Report (Welsh) (pdf)
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/4, Digest 124 (paragraph 5.4)
Date: 2002-Jun
An official report outlined a strategy for improving services for older people in Wales.
Source: When I'm 64 And More: The Report from the Advisory Group on a Strategy for Older People in Wales, National Assembly for Wales (029 2082 5537)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2002-May
