Report shows shortage of social workers in Wales

A report published today by the Association of Directors of Social Services Cymru highlights the significant shortage of social workers in Wales.

Almost 15% of social worker posts in Wales are vacant; the shortfall of children’s social workers is 18.6%…

Whitchurch beds threatened by health cuts?

Following the news that Cardiff and Vale Health Boards have a budget deficit of nearly £6 million, it has been reported that measures to save money could include the closure of mental illness beds at Whitchurch hospital…

Wife demands full inquiry into husband’s prison suicide

The wife of Lee Crabtree, a 32-year old father from Llandudno who hanged himself at Altcourse prison in Liverpool last week, has demanded a full inquiry into his suicide.

Karen Crabtree claims that her husband, who had recently had a mental illness, was deprived of medication for his illness at the prison, and should have been receiving specialist treatment in hospital…

Assembly Health Minister reveals mental health statistics

Following questions from David Melding AM, Chair of the Health and Social Services Committee, Dr Brian Gibbons, Minister for Health and Social Services at the Assembly, has released a number of mental health statistics. Here we summarise them…

Court ruling suggests LHBs could fund wider range of services

Three users of Cardiff welfare benefits advice project, Riverside Advice, have successfully challenged the withdrawal of the project’s funding by Cardiff Local Health Board in the Court of Appeal. The case has potentially widespread implications for the voluntary sector, establishing that health bodies could fund a wide range of services, rather than the narrow range of services specified in the 1977 NHS Act…

“Government Ignores Patients” claims charity

Following the publication of the Government’s response to the Joint Parliamentary Committee Report on the Draft Mental Health Bill, Members of Hafal – Wales’ principal charity for people with severe mental illness – have expressed their disappointment and dismay at the Government’s plans.

“The Government states that it has accepted in full or part well over half the Committee’s recommendations. However, the Government has failed to respond to the key issues, and where it has agreed with recommendations, it largely only makes reference to non-existent Codes of Practice,” said Bill Walden-Jones, Chief Executive of Hafal…