Speech from the Chairman of Welsh Council, Dr Tony Calland
Thursday 3 July 2003
I would like to introduce Dr Richard Lewis to the RB. He is the new Welsh Secretary and started work this week on 1st July.
In introducing Richard I have to mention Dr Bob Broughton. Dr Bob has been part of the fabric of BMA Wales for more than ten years. His contribution has been enormous and the doctors of Wales owe him a great debt for the work he has done in establishing the good relations with the Assembly and other organisations and professions.
The BMA in Wales continues to increase its influence on the NHS in Wales - this happens via regular meetings of the major crafts - GPs and consultants - with the Welsh Assembly. These meetings are a valuable way of behind the scenes dialogue to avoid unseemly future political confrontation. Much Assembly policy is modified before publication by these processes.
Andrew Dearden provides robust leadership to the GPs and keeps the Assembly on its toes.
Jonathan Osborne has been leading discussions on revising the existing consultant contract in Wales. Negotiations have progressed well and subject to a number of factors proposals may be finalised soon.
The Welsh Council is concerned about how the BMA will address the devolution issue. The four healthcare systems are becoming increasingly diverse and it is vital that the BMA structures are designed to take account of the requirement of devolution.
Finally I would like to thank the staff of BMA Wales, especially Tony Chadwick and the IRO team Andrew and Alison, John Jenkins the tireless press secretary and Sarah Ellmes and Rachael Jones giving support to the craft committees and also Deborah Porter for her support here in the RB.
We look forward to a year working with the Assembly to improve the professional lives of doctors and build a strong NHS Wales.
I move the report
Audio clip - part one
Audio clip - part two - you will need Realplayer installed to play these clips. If you don't have it get it here