Sixteen million pounds is to be made available to improve access to information technology for NHS staff in Wales and to improve the public’s access to information on their healthcare options. The announcement is part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s response to a review of health and social care, which is due to be discussed this week.The funding has been allocated to take forward the “Informing Healthcare Strategy” in line with the recommendations made in the review by Derek Wanless. The Assembly Government’s response will be discussed at the Health and Social Services Committee on Wednesday and by the whole assembly later this month. Welsh Health Minister Jane Hutt said the money was being made available to meet the need to improve access through information technology to learning and knowledge for all staff which was highlighted in the review.

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The Voluntary and Community Sector and Government are this week celebrating five years of their agreement, known as The Compact, which is designed to improve their relationship. Events will be being held during the week to encourage engagement with the Compact and Codes of Good Practice, to celebrate successes achieved so far and to look at the challenges that lie ahead.The week will see the launch of a Compact Pledge Card, which sets out key undertakings for both Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector. It involves both sides promising to promote the Compact and work together to improve outcomes for the community. There will also be a summit for Chief Executives of national charities hosted by the Compact Working Group and Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations under the title ‘Making the Compact Work for You’.

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This consultation paper, issued jointly by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs, seeks views of key stakeholders and other interested bodies on proposals for holding English local council, Greater London Authority and European Parliamentary elections on 10 June 2004. The proposal is aimed at making voting more convenient to voters and encouraging more people to take part in the democratic process. Comments should arrive by 11 December 2003. They can be e-mailed to: wpdemocracy@odpm.gsi.gov.uk

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