Chief Statistician’s update: comparing NHS performance statistics across the UK

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The provision of health services is devolved across the four nations of the UK. As a result, the way we measure NHS activity and performance in each nation differs, in order to reflect the different policy priorities and circumstances of each nation. While there are similarities in the types of data collected, there are also important differences in coverage and definitions, meaning that the headline statistics are often not directly comparable. However, understandably, there is considerable interest in making these comparisons, so this blog post aims to offer advice on doing this.

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Would you like to use your digital and technology skills to help the people of Wales?

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If so, now is an exciting time to be joining the Digital, Data and Technology (DDAT) profession in Welsh Government. We’re looking for people with a variety of different skills to help support the digital transformation of services to citizens, transform our internal ways of working, and manage and develop our technical infrastructure and services in Welsh Government.

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Chief Statistician’s update: and the population of Wales is…

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Today marks a significant milestone in the release of 2021 Census data. On 28 June, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published the first results from the 2021 Census for Wales. These first results include rounded population estimates for local authorities in Wales, by sex and five-year age groups. The release also includes household estimates, and information about population density.

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Chief Statistician’s update: moving from pandemic to endemic, what this means for COVID-19 statistics

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On 4 March 2022 Together for a safer future: Wales’ long-term COVID-19 transition from pandemic to endemic was published. This plan explains that the link between COVID-19 infection, serious illness, hospitalisation and death has been weakened significantly. This means we can begin to move beyond the emergency response to the pandemic and plan a future in which we gradually transition to living safely with coronavirus, just as we live with many other infectious diseases.

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Guest blog: what’s going on beneath our feet?

Greg Garner, Asset Owner Engagement Manager for Wales, Atkins

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The National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) is a great example of how digital services, data and technology can be used to improve the lives of people within Wales, and fully aligns with the Digital Strategy for Wales. Find out more about the potential benefits and the progress made so far.

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From Bees to Trees and everything in between – Wales harnesses the Internet of Things

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The ‘Internet of Things’ or ‘IoT’ has become a commonly-heard phrase in recent years. It may seem very abstract, and nothing to do with your everyday lives, or perhaps you’ve never even heard of it. But do you wear a Fitbit to capture your steps each day and make sure you’re moving enough? Or maybe your trusty Alexa will remind you to pick up milk on your way home later? Well, without even knowing, you’ve been connecting with the Internet of Things.

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Chief statistician’s update: how the pandemic has changed post-16 education

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The pandemic has made us think differently about the kinds of analysis we produce, with many of our regular statistical publications changing to reflect new circumstances or topics of interest. In just one example of this, we’ve published new analysis this week looking at the impact on learners in post-16 education.

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Digital, Data and Technology Apprenticeship – It’s never too late!

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Picture of Jane, a Digital Data and Technology apprentice

It may seem like an odd choice as midlife crises go. An apprenticeship? In Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT)? When I took the plunge in 2020, I had no real idea what was in store. However, it turned out, to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.

So, why an apprenticeship?

I had been working for many years as a special needs teaching assistant but with my own children grown, I was looking for a new challenge to take me into the next phase of my life. I wanted to find a career that I could embrace, that would teach me new skills and would reward the hard work and effort I put in. Although I had no previous experience in the DDaT field I was attracted by the broad range of careers available and the opportunity to gain qualifications while working as well as the flexible working hours offered.

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