New Auditor General guide lifts the lid on Wales’ public finances Read more about New Auditor General guide lifts the lid on Wales’ public finances The Auditor General has today published a useful guide to public finances in Wales. It is designed to help the public sector, politicians, academics, the media and other relevant organisations. It sets out some key issues that those involved in scrutinising public finances should keep in mind. Understanding and being able to scrutinise decisions about public spending is a vital part of a democratic society. The Auditor General’s new Guide to Welsh Public Finances provides an easy to digest overview of some of the key issues in Welsh public finances. It looks at:
Integrating information technology through open standards Read more about Integrating information technology through open standards
Governance: Supporting improvement across complex public service delivery Read more about Governance: Supporting improvement across complex public service delivery
Improving digital leadership and ownership Read more about Improving digital leadership and ownership
How urgent is your non-severe, serious illness emergency? Read more about How urgent is your non-severe, serious illness emergency? Confused? It's no wonder why. Out-of-hours services have a branding nightmare. Other names for these services include: GP out-of-hours services; primary care out-of-hours services; and urgent primary care services. Whatever you call them, they are really important services. They provide urgent primary care during the time that GP surgeries are closed.
Out-of-hours services are under strain Read more about Out-of-hours services are under strain Out of hours services provide urgent primary care when GP surgeries are closed. They form part of the wider urgent care system that includes A&E departments, NHS Direct and the emerging 111 service. Our report shows that out-of-hours services are under significant strain. Although patients seem generally happy with the services they get, poor staff morale and difficulties in filling shifts are threatening the resilience of services in many parts of Wales, and a more sustainable approach is needed to address these challenges.