More patients with terminal illnesses should be given the choice of dying at home, according to a cancer charity. Marie Curie called on the Welsh Assembly Government to put more money into palliative care outside hospitals.

Doctors at a south Wales hospital say they are alarmed at the number of bodybuilders needing treatment after the misuse of anabolic steroids. The Royal Glamorgan in Llantrisant has recently seen as many as one case a week, the BBC has learned.

In the wake of searing criticism of the Welsh Ambulance Service, its former chairman has added to the debate saying it was under funded from the start. Roy Norris’ comments follow those of ex-chief executive Roger Thayne, who said the service was in “crisis” and failings are costing 500 lives a year.

The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has stepped up its work in Wales with the appointment of an experienced Practice Development Manager, Vicky Allen, to focus on work in the region.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has welcomed Aberdare Magistrates’ decision to fine Parkcare Homes Ltd £8,000 and pay £10,608 in costs after a resident at one of their care homes suffered a broken arm whilst being lifted out of a bath.

John Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services discusses the launch of the National Service Framework for Older People in Wales

A new award-winning computer system that gets court information to victims, witnesses of crime and crime fighters much quicker has been launched in Wales. XHIBIT enables court users such as the police, prosecutors and witness groups to obtain necessary case details in minutes rather than days.

Mutale Nyoni, Chair of the Care Council for Wales, has won an award in recognition of her work at BAWSO – Black and Asian Women Step Out.

A training pack that aims to improve social care for children in Wales has been re-launched. 
Nid ar Chwarae Bach 2 (Gweithio Gyda Phlant yng Nghymru – Working with Children in Wales) is a bilingual resource that will promote effective support for children in Wales, whether they communicate through the medium of Welsh or English.

The Social Services Summit 2006 hosted at Cardiff has proved to be a great success with Senior Staff, Members and Ministers in attendance.