Latest blog posts/entries
What’s wrong with our hospitals in Wales?
Posted on May 14, 2012 at 10:55 AM by WIHSC RSS
Do you ever wonder what’s really happening to the NHS in Wales? There’s lots of talk about hospital ‘down-grading’, shortage of money, patients treated without dignity… and equally, stories of marvellous care, lives saved and miraculous research. But what does … Continue reading
Happy DNA Day
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:59 PM by Genomics Policy RSS
If you are reading this from the USA, you may be thinking that we are a little late as National DNA Day was on April 20. However, here in Europe today is the day when the completion of the Human … Continue reading
Bowel cancer awareness month
Posted on April 20, 2012 at 4:06 PM by Genomics Policy RSS
April is bowel cancer awareness month. To read real life stories from people affected by inherited forms of bowel cancer, go to the Telling Stories website. For further information on bowel cancer and bowel cancer awareness month, go to the … Continue reading
Personal genome sequencing article – media’s interpretation frustrates many
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 3:30 PM by Genomics Policy RSS
An article in Science Translational Medicine this month byRoberts et. al. suggesting that predictive personal genome sequencing has little value has caused a bit of a ‘hoo-ha’. [See the Nature News Blog article http://t.co/UZgnmsVx for more information]. Whilst the findings … Continue reading
The UK rare disease plan: public consultation launched
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 5:22 PM by Genomics Policy RSS
What is a rare disease? • A “rare disease” is any condition affecting fewer than 5 in 10,000 of the general population. • There are over 6,000 known rare diseases. • 1 in 17 people will be affected by a … Continue reading
Gene and serious flu risk
Posted on March 27, 2012 at 2:17 PM by Genomics Policy RSS
According to BBC News, scientists have identified a genetic flaw that may explain why some people get more ill with flu than others. The full story can be found here.
Bevan’s NHS: Ready for Retirement, or Just Coming Into Its Own?
Posted on March 26, 2012 at 11:30 AM by WIHSC RSS
A visitor from Mars, struck down by some Earthly bug as he circles in his space ship, couldn’t fail to appreciate how popular is our National Health Service. Let’s hope that this would give him some confidence, as he waits … Continue reading
Telling Stories project at Chief Nursing Officer for Wales 2012 Showcase Conference
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 4:51 PM by Genomics Policy RSS
Members of the Glamorgan-based Telling Stories Understanding Real Life Genetics project team attended the Chief Nursing Officer for Wales 2012 Showcase Conference yesterday at the SWALEC stadium in Cardiff. The theme of the conference was Strictly Patients – Listening to … Continue reading
Liking a lie-in & genes
Posted on March 1, 2012 at 1:30 PM by Genomics Policy RSS
According to BBC News, people who like a lie-in may now have an excuse – it is at least partly down to their genes, according to experts. Experts, who studied more than 10,000 people across Europe, found those with the … Continue reading
Not so rare after all
Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:35 PM by Genomics Policy RSS
Did you know that a disease or disorder is defined as rare in Europe when it affects fewer than 1 in 2000? February 29th, 2012 is Rare Disease Day. An international event co-ordinated by Eurodis and bringing together patient organisations … Continue reading
Have a look at the recent joint Inspectorates’ (CSSIW and HIW) review of the impact of the Older People National Service Framework in Wales
Posted on February 16, 2012 at 8:56 AM by WIHSC RSS
When you have a spare couple of minutes, have a look at the recent joint Inspectorates’ (CSSIW and HIW) review of the impact of the Older People National Service Framework in Wales. Why? If you were ever in any doubt … Continue reading
Zero carbon, or not zero carbon? That is the question.
Posted on January 5, 2012 at 5:19 PM by Sandcastles RSS
A student made me aware of an interesting recent judgement by the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA). The complainant had challenged that “Solartwin.com zero carbon solar power & water heating” was misleading and could not be substantiated. The issue arose around … Continue reading
Tribute by WIHSC Director to the Chief Medical Officer on his award of Honorary Doctorate
Posted on December 19, 2011 at 12:25 PM by WIHSC RSS
Pro Chancellor, I present to Congregation Dr Tony Jewell. Tony has been the Chief Medical Officer for Wales since 2006. In this role, he leads the medical profession here, is the medical advisor to the whole of the Welsh Government, … Continue reading
Telling Stories Understanding Real Life Genetics celebrates its 100th story!
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:20 AM by Genomics Policy RSS
The Glamorgan-based Telling Stories Understanding Real Life Genetics project is delighted to report that the 100th story is being published on its website today! Launched in 2007, the project, led by Professor Maggie Kirk (of the Genomics Policy Unit, University … Continue reading
Big strike day on Wednesday, but only if you’re flying?
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:12 AM by WIHSC RSS
Further to Saturday’s e mail exchange, what about something like this? Is it pithy enough? Happy to accept suggested amendments. The media coverage of this week’s public service industrial action provides us with further evidence that the value base of … Continue reading
