Getting together to help the NHS

It is widely recognised that the NHS needs to make drastic changes to survive. Here Ross Gregory, of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Wales on behalf of the Health and Social Care Policy Officers Group, explains how some lesser-known professions will help

THE NHS reached 70 years old this year and its successes were well recognised up and down the country.

However, after seven decades it is well acknowledged by policy makers, think tanks and those working in the health service that the system must urgently change to deal with new challenges.

People are living longer and health needs are more complex.

Technologies are changing and the medicines we use are also becoming much more specialised.

Improving health and wellbeing also depends on factors outside the control of the NHS. The behaviours of individuals themselves and the essential services provided by the social care and voluntary sectors are all crucial in our pursuit of a healthier country.

These are vitally important times for our health and social care system and a group of health professional bodies have recognised the growing need to work together to influence change at a national strategic level.

Led by the Cardiff based Communications Company, Positif, and sponsored by the Chair of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, Dr Dai Lloyd AM, representatives of health and social care professions will come together at the Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay, on October 23.

The eight professions represented are the British Association of Social Workers (BASW Cymru), the British Dietetic Association, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, the Society of Radiographers and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

These professions are playing important roles in creating a new care system in Wales.

They are working alongside their health and social care colleagues, including GPs, and removing pressures in the system.

This is the third time in five years that this training has been provided, to help ensure all professions can have their voice heard in the National Assembly for Wales.

Rhodri ab Owen from Positif said: “This is a very important time for engaging with the National Assembly and the Welsh Government. We are pleased to be able to assist in working with these eight professions.

“We believe that events like this play an essential role in developing and enhancing Welsh civic society and in this case connecting the interest of patients directly with the democratic process.”

Dr Dai Lloyd AM, chairman of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “I am supportive of this training and very pleased to be able to sponsor the event.

“I have worked with all professions represented over many years and am well aware of their dedication to health and social care.

“It is encouraging to see them coming together to find ways to develop meaningful dialogue with the National Assembly and Welsh Government. I feel strongly that it is important that Assembly Members can engage with the health professions productively and I wish the event every success.”

The professional bodies are looking forward to receiving feedback from their members who will be attending the training and hope that the event will be as successful as in previous years.

The organisations are using the #AHPsTogetherCymru on social media.