(Title Image: AM)
New app and online platform for Welsh artists
AM – a new app and website showcasing a selection of Welsh art – was recently launched as part of a collaboration between the Welsh Government, Bangor University and Trinity St David University.
Chief Executive of the Welsh music promotion agency Pyst, Alun Llwyd, said: “The ambition is for AM to become somewhere you check in daily to get an insight into a whole country’s creative output. We wanted to build an inclusive, democratic community open to everyone, particularly the young.”
Tata job losses revised downwards
UK job losses at Tata Steel have been revised downwards from an initial 1,000 to 500.
In a statement, Tata said, “Arrangements will be made to commence consultations for the start of April on the proposed organisational changes with the relevant national employee representatives.”
It was unclear as of yet how many jobs would be lost at Tata plants in Wales, with the Welsh Government saying: “There are no further details on where the job losses will fall at this point and we continue to engage with Tata Steel about how this will impact their operations.”
Online symptom checker launched for coronavirus; software rolled-out for GP video consultations
NHS Direct Wales recently launched an online symptom checker for the coronavirus/Covid-19, which will act as the first port of call for those who believe they’ve contracted the virus.
Official advice remains unchanged – don’t go to a GP or hospital, contact the 111 service/NHS Direct Wales and listen to their advice.
Additionally, software has been rolled-out to GPs to enable them to undertake video consultations. While the technology was going to be introduced anyway, the coronavirus pandemic has meant the roll-out has been sped-up.
Health Minister, Vaughan Gething (Lab, Cardiff S. & Penarth) said: “This technology will help people access healthcare advice from their homes, particularly if they are self-isolating because of the virus while helping the NHS cope with an increase in demand. I’m pleased we’re at the forefront of using this digital technology throughout Wales.”
Video links to expand subject choices at rural secondary schools
More schools in rural Wales will be able to take part in video link lessons. The E-sgol technology – which has been piloted in Ceredigion and has routinely been used in rural Scotland – will be expanded to include Powys and Carmarthenshire.
E-sgol co-ordinator Gareth Lanagan told BBC Wales: “What we were finding was there’s a bit of a postcode lottery at the moment in terms of the subjects that are available to kids in different parts of Wales, but this is balancing that out.”
