Category Archives: News Updates

Newly available over-the-counter hearing aids offer many benefits, but consumers should be aware of the potential drawbacks

U.S. retailers began selling over-the-counter hearing aids on Oct. 17, 2022, a long-awaited move that some experts predict could be a game-changer in making these devices accessible and affordable. A prescription is no longer needed, nor is a visit to a doctor or even a fitting appointment with a hearing specialist. Instead, Americans can purchase hearing aids by going online…

Positive inspections for Bridgend County Borough Council’s adult residential and short-stay care homes

Care Inspectorate Wales have issued a positive report on the council’s five adult residential and short-stay care homes in the county borough and have highlighted the fact that residents are pleased with the service they receive. Ty Ynysawdre, Ty Llwynderw, Ty Cwm Ogwr and Bryn y Cae provide support and residential care to adults who…

Innovation in digital health technologies hampered by inequities

Persistent differences exist in access to, use of and engagement with digital health technologies between communities and areas across Europe, finds a new paper, co-authored by Public Health Wales and WHO/Europe. Telephone or video consultations, electronic patient portals, and utilising electronic health records are all examples of how digital technologies can improve health care for…

People share experiences of winter lurgy that feels like Covid but isn’t

People have been sharing their stories of dealing with a winter lurgy that ‘feels like’ Covid – with some saying it’s actually worse than when they had the coronavirus. Symptoms for many have included a cough, aching, a sore throat and a headache. The NHS is under huge pressure this winter, with Betsi Cadwaladr UHB declaring…

This course teaches students how to connect with older adults to forge intergenerational bonds and help alleviate loneliness and isolation

Title of course “Legacy Building with Older Adults – Students Re-Humanizing Health Care” What prompted the idea for the course? In March 2020 – as the COVID-19 pandemic was causing widespread lockdowns across the U.S. – I heard from a chaplain friend about older adults who were dying in assisted living facilities and skilled nursing…

The Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS) will be going live on 31 January 2023

It is a legal requirement for all childminders and childcare and play providers to complete a SASS. It is a legal requirement for all childminders and childcare and play providers to complete a SASS. We have written to providers to let them know that the SASS will be going live on 31 January 2023. The SASS…

Introducing Telehealth: bringing care closer to home

The Telehealth Programme is the latest addition to the TEC Cymru portfolio. It brings exciting opportunities to develop the use of equipment, monitoring and response to bring care closer to home. It will support the implementation of the tools health and social care need to deliver patient centric care, providing individuals with more choice and…

Welsh government budget: What does it mean for me?

Public services face a “perfect storm of financial pressures”, the Welsh government said as it unveiled its spending plans for next year. Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said her £20bn budget would top up NHS funding and help vulnerable people through the cost of living crisis. But ministers have ruled out raising income tax, despite calls…

Bombshell report warns setting care home fees too low is “unlawful”

Councils in North Wales have been accused of acting “unlawfully” for starving care homes of the essential funds they need to look after frail and vulnerable people. According to Care Forum Wales (CFW), many local authorities are breaking the official guidelines which state they need to “take into account the legitimate current and future costs…