Closure date given for Llan injuries unit

* Now with Keep Lllangollen Health Services comment at foot of story


The minor injuries service is due to transfer from Llangollen Community Hospital to the Health Centre during the week commencing the 3rd of March.

That piece of important information for local people is buried in the last paragraph of a press release issued yesterday (Thursday)  by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

The release, which llanblogger has picked up from the board’s website, is mostly about new opening hours for the minor injuries service across the region.

It says: “For some hospitals opening hours will be extended further once staffing arrangements have been completed.

“The Minor Injuries Service is one of the care options available to people who become ill or suffer an injury: as its name implies it is intended for people who suffer a physical injury such as a cut, insect bite or sprain. 

“Other care options include: 

·         For minor illnesses and injuries that don’t need to be seen by a nurse or doctor you can use over-the counter medicines and dressings. If you need healthcare advice you can visit a local pharmacy or contact NHS Direct on 08 45 46 47.

·         For more serious illness or persistent pain you should contact your GP for advice and treatment. Outside office hours the GP out of hours service can be called via your normal GP surgery number or by ringing NHS Direct 08 45 46 47.

·         If someone is badly injured or very ill then they should be taken to an Accident & Emergency Department or, for genuine emergency cases, call 999 for the ambulance service to arrange an appropriate response.” 

The release goes on to list the places where Minor Injuries Services are available. 

These include Denbigh Infirmary (8:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday), Mold Community Hospital (8:30am to 6:00pm) and Wrexham Maelor Hospital (24 hour minor injuries and A&E service). 

The last paragraph says: “In Llangollen the minor injuries service will transfer from the Community Hospital to the Health Centre during the week commencing the 3rd of March.” 

+ Meanwhile, a llanblogger reader has sent in a picture he took of a notice which says that the minor injuries unit at Chirk Hospital will close next Monday (February 18).

 

Mike Edwards, chair of Keep Llangollen Special, which recently raised the issue of Llangollen Hospital and local services with wales' Health Minister Lesley Griffiths, said of the latest development: "My main concern would be that as far as I am aware there have been no official notifications to advise patients what is actually happening and when.

"The Community Health Council seems to have not acted decisively to object to BCUHB's confirmed proposals and asked the Health Minister to call them in and examine them in the public interest.

"In the absence of this the Health Board are clearly pushing ahead with their reorganisation and it will be shortly be impossible for anyone to undo them, be it the Minister or anyone else."

A spokesman for the group Keep Llangollen Health Services said: “The Health Board seem to be treating Llangollen and the service users in the community with complete contempt.

"I sincerely hope that the Health Board have put in place the necessary arrangements in order for the Health Centre to be able accommodate the new patients that they’ll be receiving.

"The Health Board need to ensure that the people of Llangollen and the surrounding area are fully aware of the change – the last thing we want is to see a patient suffering and not knowing where to turn to because the hospital is closed and the information hasn’t been properly circulated.

"It’s great that Llanblogger is trying to ensure that people are aware of these changes in advance.

"The Health Board cannot ignore public opinion, and that’s why the Community Health Council must intervene and insist that the final decision is taken by the Health Minister, it’s on her door step after all.

"The fight to keep our Health Services in this valley continues because this Valley, it’s people and it’s visitors deserve a proper community based health service.” 

Major scheme to improve the Dee

The Daily Post is reporting today that a major project is to be launched to improve the River Dee.

See the full story at: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2013/02/15/major-initiative-to-improve-the-river-dee-55578-32813150/

Team rescues two from snow-covered hillside

* Cyrn y Brain in better weather conditions.

North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) has given more details of the dramatic rescue by one of its teams of two people - one of them injured - from snow-covered hills high above Llangollen on Wednesday.

A press release says: "Just after 11am on Wednesday 13th February, NEWSAR was called out to assist an injured person and their colleague on Cyrn y Brain, above the Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen.

"At the time the weather conditions were very poor with the heavy snowfall, strong winds and poor visibility potentially making this casualty evacuation difficult. There was also a concern that exposed to those conditions for a prolonged period, the safety of the two people could deteriorate rapidly.

"Despite the appalling weather, difficult driving conditions and news reports saying that the Horseshoe Pass was barely drivable, our volunteer team members responded to the callout and made their way to the top of the Horseshoe Pass, before being deployed on the hill.

"The location of the two was established and team members made their way to the location. On any other day, our two Landrovers could have driven them and their equipment to the summit of Cyrn y Brain, but the wintery conditions meant that even the four wheel drive vehicles wouldn’t make it up the icy track.

"An advanced party made a hasty ascent with medical equipment and shelters to ensure that the injured person could be treated as quickly as possible and the second party followed with the 32 kilo stretcher that would be used to carry the injured person off the hill.

"Progress was slow and steady but with poor visibility, there was a concern that locating the two people would to be difficult. Fortunately, the two were found and treatment of the injury and exposure to the poor weather began.

"The injured person was placed inside a “cas bag”, a warm sleeping bag, and put on a stretcher. The second person was able to walk down with the Team. Once they were secured and made comfortable on the stretcher, the evacuation began.

"A little less than three hours after the first text message was sent out to the team, the injured person was handed over to an ambulance at the Ponderosa cafe and the Team was stood down."

Concerns over replacement services when hospital shuts

* The county council is concerned whether cash will be available for community services after Llangollen Hospital is closed.

Health chiefs can give no guarantees there will be enough money to foot the bill for replacement community services once Llangollen Cottage Hospital is closed.

That was one of the messages to come from a summit meeting between representatives of Denbighshire County Council and the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

A statement from the county council issued today (Thursday) says: "Representatives from Denbighshire County Council have held a full and frank discussion the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) to discuss concerns about the major shake-up in the health service in North Wales.

"The meeting was held following a request made by the full council and whilst councillors continue to remain very unhappy with some aspects of the proposals presented by BCUHB, they were given detailed information and assurances on other aspects of the plan.

"Concerns were raised during the meeting about capital funding required for health developments across North Wales, with £27 million of the £40 million for North Wales needed for replacement community health facilities in Denbighshire.

"Whilst BCUHB is optimistic of success, it was unable to give cast-iron guarantees that the money required would come from Welsh Government so local communities in Rhyl, Prestatyn and Llangollen still do not have certainty.

"The Council agreed to write to the Welsh Government to seek further reassurances from them.The Council was critical of the impact interim services would have on local people during the transition from existing services to new alternative services and were also critical of the way BCUHB had communicated the changes.

"BCUHB said some existing services did need to close to keep services safe today and allow for preparation for new services.

"The Council raised concerns that moving health services from hospitals into the community would inevitably impact on social care costs. BCUHB accepted that the enhanced care model could lead to additional costs for social services though they believed there was evidence these costs could be offset through patients being less disrupted and requiring less care than if they had been in hospital.

"Agreement was reached to do further work on costs and gather a common set of data to enable the effects and impact of Enhanced Care Service on health, social care and residents to be monitored and evaluated.

"Councillors were pleased with the reassurances regarding the future of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd (YGC) as a district general hospital. BCUHB gave an unequivocal commitment to the future of YGC.This includes confirming its future as the centre for complex vascular surgery and a range of general DGH and specialist functions.

"On transport, BCUHB re-stated its position which was that they have a statutory responsibility to provide transport via the ambulance service for those that meet eligibility criteria. But they do not have a responsibility to provide transport for everyone. They agreed to work in partnership with public sector organisations.

"The Council feels this is progress which needs to be followed through rapidly."

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Health and Social Care, said: "The Council had lengthy discussions on the BCUHB’s proposals when councillors met last week, with many expressing serious concerns about the plans.

“The meeting gave plenty of opportunities for councillors to clearly express their concerns and those of the local community, as well as giving the Health Board an opportunity to respond in detail.

“We remain unhappy with a number of issues, we were given detail and the rationale behind some of these proposals and fully realise that the Health Board has difficult decisions to make. We were also reassured on some aspects such as the future of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

“Despite my continuing frustration I still think that, in the best interests of the people of Denbighshire, it is vital to continue dialogue between the Council and the Health Board on these very important issues, on behalf of the residents of Denbighshire.”

Valentine's Day fire warning

Romance might be in the air ahead of Valentine's Day but firefighters are warning couples not to get caught up in the heat of the moment.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service wants people to take extra care on 14^th February if they are planning on creating a romantic setting - especially with a naked flame.

Tea-lights and alcohol can be a recipe for disaster if they're not used in the correct way, and leaning in for a kiss over a candlelit dinner could result in setting fire to hair or clothes.

Cooking is the biggest source of house fires in the county and it's important to ensure that if you are preparing a meal for a loved-one that you don't get distracted.

Paul Scott, Community Safety Team Manager, said: "Valentine's night can be a lovely romantic evening but a combination of high spirits, alcohol and romantic gestures could lead to tragedy. We want everyone to have a fantastic time so follow our simple tips for a romantic night and stay safe.

"Above all you'll want to make sure it's only sparks of passion that are ignited on Valentine's Day, so make sure you stay safe from fire."

Candles can build the mood for romantic meals but:

- they must be kept away from flammable objects such as curtains, towels or bedding

- tea-lights can generate temperatures throughout the metal base of over 200 degrees so always use tea light holders and never place direct onto baths or televisions

- always make sure candles are properly extinguished when you go to bed.

Cooking a special meal is always a great way to say 'I love you', but remember that more than 50 per cent of house fires start in the kitchen so:

- take care when frying

- make sure that grills and ovens are clean as fat and grease can ignite when heated

- never leave cooking unattended - don't get distracted.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire safety checks, where a member of the Service will visit your home, give fire safety hints and tips, help you to formulate a fire escape plan and fit new alarms - all free of charge.

This service is available to all residents in North Wales.

To register for a free home fire safety check, please call the 24 hour free hotline on 0800 169 1234, e-mail cfs@nwales-fireservice.org.uk or visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk.

Llan's bid to become a "slow" town

Llangollen is taking a fast route to officially becoming a slow town.

The town is currently bidding to become part of the Cittaslow movement, a worldwide organisation which aims to show a community is serious about sustainability – economic, social and environmental.

It developed from the Slow Food Movement, another international scheme which links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment by promoting local, seasonal produce and reconnecting people with where their food comes from.

The name Cittaslow is derived from the Italian word for city or town and is pronounced almost like 'cheetah'. Slow is English. 

Under the umbrella of the town council, Llangollen has set up a group dedicated to winning Cittaslow status for the town. 

Spokesman and town councillor Phil Thane said: “There are two major reasons for becoming a Cittaslow town. 

“Firstly, it provides a set of well recognised goals that serve to keep the town council and Denbighshire County Council up to scratch. 

“Also, when the council or a voluntary body in Llangollen applies for a grant from Cardiff, London or Brussels being a Cittaslow town shows that we are well organised and  run and should help us bring more investment into the town. 

“We want to involve as many people as possible in Cittaslow Llangollen so we've set up a website to show you what we're doing at www.cittaslow.llangollentowncouncil.co.uk” 

Cllr Thane added: “One of our first targets is to create a database of local food suppliers 

“We're including anyone growing, rearing or making food within 20 miles of Llangollen. 

“We are also compiling data on voluntary groups and businesses based in Llangollen. 

“Those lists are not complete either but we're getting there.  

“If your business or group is missing, or if some details are wrong please sign up online. Once you have been approved you will be given access to update your own details. 

“Another goal is to have a Slow Food group based here in town. That's being organised by one of our group, Sal Jefford.  

“Slow Food groups – which are run by volunteers - organise a variety of events alongside local food and drink producers and chefs. 

“We will soon distribute posters and leaflets around Llangollen, or anyone interested can email: slowfoodllangollen@gmail.com, or text Sal on  07786 623802 for more information.”

 

* The Cittaslow bid is being backed by llanblogger.

 

"No horse" found in county council meat

Denbighshire County Council says its food suppliers are so far completely free of horse meat.

In a statement issued earlier today, the authority says: "The Council is committed to providing the best services possible to all of its consumers.

"As a result, it has carried out extensive checks with its food providers in light of the food labelling issues and no issues have emerged to date.

"We have rigorous processes in place and we already work closely with TUCO, the food consortium used by the council and they have contacted all its meat product suppliers, asking them to submit evidence that authenticity checks have been carried out to ensure that no horse meat is used in any of its products.

"The council is also contacting any suppliers outside the TUCO arrangement.

"Additional checks with our suppliers to schools, residential homes and leisure centres have been carried and no issues have emerged so far. H

"However, residents in Denbighshire can be reassurred that the council will continue liaising with its suppliers in order to carry out further checks.

"We are also working closely with the Food Standards Agency Wales through visiting food businesses such as meat cold stores and meat products premises to check on traceability of meat and reporting back to the FSA Wales with our findings."