Health centre "fatally flawed" says campaign group

 

* An artist's impression of the proposed new health centre.

 

Plans for a new £5.5m health centre in Llangollen are fatally flawed because they don’t include inpatient beds, campaigners say.

 

Keep Llangollen Health Services spokesman Mabon ap Gwynfor said the proposals promised a great deal but did not deliver on key elements for people living in the Vale of Llangollen.

 

He said: “Throughout the consultation period last year we called for beds to be retained in Llangollen and warned that there would be a downgrading of services if the health board’s plans went through.

 

"We also warned that Llangollen would be left without any services if the hospital was closed before home care and the health centre had been approved.

 

“It’s been nearly five months since they closed the hospital. Before closing they promised all sorts of things including a Home Enhanced Care Scheme and beds at local care homes, none of which have materialised. It’s not surprising that local people are sceptical about other promises being made by the health board.

 

“We want to see an improved local health service and that’s why we welcome, in principle, a health centre. But it needs to be safe and sustainable. The site under consideration is difficult to access for pedestrians from the town centre, especially for people with pushchairs, the elderly and disabled – precisely the people who need to use a health centre. It also lacks the one key element, which is hospital beds, which as we know is needed for this area."

 

He also expressed concern that the health board was rushing through the plans without the necessary checks and balances needed for such a large project.

 

Mabon ap Gwynfor said: “It’s important that the Health Board follows the standard procedures instead of trying to cut corners.” 

 

He also called for local representatives of patients to be represented on the stakeholder group during the development stages, adding: “Keep Llangollen Health Services were promised on numerous occasions that we would be invited but never were.

 

"The Health Board says that patients are represented by the Community Health Council, yet the CHC’s representative comes from Ruthin and not Llangollen or the Dee Valley. This shows complete contempt for the people of this area.”

* The full consultation document can be viewed via the Keep Llangollen Special website at http://en.keepllangollenspecial.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Llangollen-Health-Centre-Public-Consultation.pdf

Public briefed on plan for new health centre

* A plan shows how the proposed new health centre would extend along the River Dee.

 

 

* Members of the public discuss details of the health centre plan.

 

 

* Interested members of the public gather around the display boards.

A STEADY stream of people turned up at Llangollen Town Hall late on Tuesday afternoon to be briefed on plans for the area’s new health centre.

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which controversially axed the town’s cottage hospital earlier this year, recently announced it intends to build a new multi-purpose health facility on land on the A539 currently owned by the Welsh Government and occupied by the derelict former River Lodge hotel.

After unveiling an artist’s impression of the proposed new centre in May, the board took over the Town Hall from 3-6.30pm on Tuesday to provide further details of the scheme ahead of submitting a planning application to Denbighshire County Council.

Members of the public gathered around a series of display panels giving details of various aspects of the plan.

Staff from the health board and Llangollen GP Practice were also hand to answer questions.

Visitors learned that the new centre would be shared between the GPs, the health board, the county council’s social care department and the voluntary sector.

Among the services it would provide are midwifery, outpatients, mental health and social care services.

It was also revealed that discussions were taking place about relocating Rowlands Pharmacy, currently opposite the GP practice in Regent Street, to the new centre.

According to the health board’s proposals, the new centre would be located within the World Heritage Buffer Zone and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The site it would occupy extends along the River Dee, bordered on the eastern side by the old railway line and mature woodland and a residential area on the western side.

It is proposed that the GP practice would relocate to the new centre after it is completed in 2015.

The board also proposes that during August and September this year the practice becomes responsible for the local minor injuries service.

Generally, the board says the new centre will become a “focal point for health care in the community” and would also provide extra space in which a range of clinics can be offered.

It would also, said the board, be “designed to blend in with and enhance the historical character” of the local townscape.

Among those at the briefing session was Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies who said: “It will be a better facility than we had before, albeit without the beds. But it would be wrong to think that particular fight had been lost.”

On the question of ease of access to the proposed centre, he said he understood talks were going on with a local bus company with a view to having one of its services stop there.

Cllr Davies said he was also continuing to explore the possibility of a new bridge being built over the River Dee from the new centre to a point near the playing field on the opposite bank.

Urging people to make use of the minor injuries unit when it was at the GP practice in August and September, he said: “If the health board see it not being used there is a danger they might take it away, so it’s a case of use it or lose it.”

Also at the briefing session was Shaolin Monk Pol Wong whose own plan for his Powys Fadog organisation to open a community centre in the River Lodge was thwarted by its Welsh Government owners.

This drew criticism from the Welsh Audit Office and the Welsh Assembly’s public accounts committee, which accused the government of wasting £1.6 on the affair.

Mr Wong was distributing copies of documentation supporting his case to members of the public. 

Skates welcomes rising number of Welsh rail users

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates has welcomed news that the numbers of people using North Wales railway stations is on the rise.

 

Figures released by the Welsh Government show the numbers using railway stations on the North Wales Coast Line, the Conwy Valley Line, the Borderlands line and on routes from Wrexham all increased in 2011/12.

 

Shotton station saw a 12.8% increase in use while Conwy numbers jumped by 18.6%.  Wrexham General saw 622,148 ‘entries and exits’ during 2011/12.

 

Across Wales the numbers of people using railway stations last year rose by 2.6%.  In 2011/12 there were over 47million ‘entries and exits’ from Wales’ 218 railway stations.  Station use across Wales has increased in every year since 2004-05.

 

The AM said the figures showed more lines in North Wales lost under the Beeching axe could be re-opened and made financially viable.

 

Mr Skates said: “The rise in the numbers of people using North Wales railway stations shows very clearly that the appetite for rail travel in the region is growing.  The numbers have been rising consistently over the last decade with evidence of a growth in station use across all parts of North Wales.

 

“The figures show that with the right kind of investment, our North Wales railways do have a very bright future.  Quite a few stations across the region have seen large increases in their use over the last year.

 

“It raises the possibility, as we mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Beeching report, that more disused lines could be re-opened here in North Wales and given a viable future in our communities.  We’ve seen the success of the re-opened Cardiff to Ebbw Vale line, now more routes, such as the Amlwch line in North Wales, could be next.

 

“Half a century ago large parts of rural Wales in particular was almost cut off by Dr Beeching’s axe.  These figures only go to highlight there may be valid economic grounds to re-open some of them as the monopoly of the car continues to be challenged.

 

“The figures show Wales still punches below its weight in terms of rail.  We have around five per cent of the UK population, but account for just two per cent of train station use.  The statistics show there is the hunger out there amongst rail passengers for more capacity.

 

“What is important is that we examine these figures carefully and identify a sensible way forward for Welsh rail, which responds to both the passenger and economic demand and keeps fares reasonable in the long-term.”

 

For the majority of the busiest 20 stations across Wales the numbers of entries/exits remained relatively stable, with a small rise overall. The remaining Welsh stations showed stronger growth as a whole into 2011-12.

Police clamp down on Llan canoe thefts

 

 

A specific operation is underway in Llangollen targeting the theft of canoes and kayaks.

 

With tourists already flocking into the area, local officers have been working to ensure that visits by canoeists and Kayakers aren’t ruined by thieves taking their property.

 

“The issue began to come to the forefront last summer, when we had a couple of canoes / kayaks taken from the town” said local PCSO Karl Joseph.

 

“The items were taken in broad daylight and in the past 12 months we have had seven similar thefts reported to us. It is very possible however that more have been taken but for whatever reason haven’t been reported to us.”

 

In a determined effort to curb the thefts, a multi-pronged operation has started which combines pro-active patrols, crime prevention work and liaison with key partners in the community. Kayakers and canoe owners are also being urged to play their part by ensuring their property is left secure at all times.

 

To date, members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team have been undertaking pro-active patrols along the riverbank and speaking to local hoteliers and those who provide accommodation in the area about security measures and the operation. Officers have also been speaking to local kayak / canoe centres making them aware of police activity and speaking to the kayakers themselves – informing them of the operation and urging them that if they see anything suspicious to call police immediately.

 

PCSO Joseph added: “As a result of a patrol along the river recently we were able to re-unite one kayaker with his property after we found a couple of kayaks floating on the river and a car roof rack near the Chain Bridge.  

 

“The kayaks and canoes are not cheap to buy and it is essential that we have the support of the public to help us stamp out this kind of theft. In some cases we’ve see kayaks and canoes left on cars and vans secured by just string or bungee cords  - this could prove to be an open invite to thieves who will seize on any opportunity to get away with the goods. ”

 

As part of their duty, patrolling officers are also identifying vulnerable vehicles that have items poorly secured or valuable items on display within the vehicle.

 

Furthermore, officers are also using the Online Watch Link (OWL) to alert individuals to key messages and appeals for information.  Individuals, particularly working in the tourism industry in the vicinity are also being encouraged to pass on the crime prevention advice.

 

Inspector Siobhan Edwards, the local District Inspector for the area, said: “We are determined to tackle this kind of theft which not only impacts on visitors to the area but also our local businesses and community. We want to keep south Denbighshire a safe place and one that people want to visit and spend time here without the fear of becoming a victim of crime. That is why we are involving partners in our work and calling on people to assist us in our objectives by ensuring that their items are kept secure and that any suspicious activity seen during the day or night is reported to police immediately.”

 

Keep your Kayak /Canoe safe

 

Kayak / canoe enthusiasts are urged to keep their property secure when left unattended day or night. Local police are issuing the following top tips to help individuals avoid becoming a victim of crime:

 

•             Ensure that kayaks / canoes are not left on your vehicle overnight, however if this is not possible:

•             Ensure you park your vehicle off a main road but within your view

•             If you are staying overnight, inform the hotel manager / accommodation owners that you have a kayak on your vehicle and ask if they have any secure storage you could use.

•             Ensure the car park / hotel where you leave your vehicle has fitted and working CCTV or security. If they have suitable secure overnight storage facility – use it.

•             Obtain a working lock to secure your kayaks to the vehicle

•             Take pictures of your property and make a note of the 12 digit Hull Identification Number (HUN) and keep this safe.

 

Finally, if you see any suspicious activity contact police immediately on 101.  Anyone with information regarding the theft of canoes / kayaks in the area can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Campaigners ask how hospital closures have affected you

Campaigners fighting for local health services in North Wales are compiling a dossier of evidence to take to the Older People's Commissioner on the closure of community hospitals and the spread of superbugs.

North Wales Health Alliance has issued an urgent call for evidence from anyone affected by the recent outbreak of C Difficile, a hospital superbug.

The Alliance, which is made of up nine local groups fighting for better healthcare locally, believes the increase in superbugs in general hospitals has been made worse by the closure of community hospitals in the region.

They also want to hear from patients and their families generally affected by the closure of hospitals in their community.

NWHA spokesman Mabon ap Gwynfor said: "The recent superbug outbreak in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd is now the subject of an investigation by Public Health Wales. We are also compiling a dossier of evidence for the Older People's Commissioner, who is investigating the closure of community hospitals.

 "The superbug outbreak and the way Betsi Cadwaladr's management is dealing with it is just the latest episode in a catalogue of failures. There is a growing sense of crisis about the way NHS bosses are managing our local health services.

 "Individual cases of patients unable to leave general hospitals despite being well enough highlight the need for community-based services. Our case is that the promises made to ensure those services were in place before any closures took place have been broken quite cynically by bureaucrats more interested in penny pinching than improving people's health."

He said health professionals were also contacting the alliance with worrying examples that were being investigated. He urged any patient , their families or health workers to contact the North Wales Health Alliance in confidence on northwaleshealthalliance@gmail.com or 07747 792 441.

Local areas benefit from £2.25 million roads programme

Llangollen, Carrog and Rhewl feature in a  major investment of over £2.25 million being ploughed into improving roads across Denbighshire over the next 12 months.

The programme of work has been announced following extensive consultation with town and community councils and county councillors.

Of the total £1.15 million is being made available by the Welsh Government through the Local Government Borrowing Initiative for new resurfacing schemes. The remainder, £1.19 million, is being invested by Denbighshire County Council.

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: “This is a major investment to improve the condition of the county’s roads.  People in communities across Denbighshire tell us that they want to see work carried out on our roads and we have listened and have drafted a programme of activities.

"Recent harsh winters have had an impact on the quality of road surfaces and the Council has already made a commitment to improving roads by identifying it as one of the Council's key priorities. This investment, through the Council and the Welsh Government will allow us to build on the tremendous amount of road improvements already carried out across the county.This funding really will make a difference."

Work will take place on the following roads:

Resurfacing
	B5381 Glascoed Road
	B5119 Dyserth Road/Pendyffryn Road Rhyl
	B5428 Nr Pen Cae Du
	Fedw Road, Carrog
	H' Bridge, Rhyl
	Clwyd Street Rhyl
	Winnard Avenue Rhyl
	Fforddisa Prestatyn
	Glasfryn Meliden
	Tan yr Allt Meliden
	Lower Street St Asaph
	Station Road Denbigh
	Myddleton Avenue Denbigh
	Myddleton Park Estate
	Plas Nantglyn
	Bryn y Gwynt Lane, Denbigh
	Saron Hill (Bottom Section)
	London Bridge, Llangwyfan
	Black Lane, Ruthin
	Plas yr Esgob to Llanuchan Church junction
	Gwernant Road, Llangollen
	Derwen Llanerch jct - Llidiart Fawr jct. Pentrecelyn
	Pant Du to Eryrys crossroads
	Meiarth Hall Road, Bryn SM
	Bryn Gwenallt, Gwyddelwern
	Erw Fawr, Llandegla
	Ty'n Llan, Llanferres
	Bodheulog Rd, Corwen
	Rhydglaves, Llandrillo
	Garthiaen Rd, Llandrillo

Denbighshire County Council Funded Works

Drainage
	Cwttir Lane, St. Asaph
	Caer Hafod to Pennant, Clocaenog
	Nr Sun Inn, Rhewl, Llantysilio
	Bontuchel to Wern Shed, Bontuchel
Microasphalt
	Carrog Village
	Bryntirion Avenue, Prestatyn
	Seven Sisters Road, Prestatyn
	Highbury Crescent, Prestatyn
	Beach Avenue, Prestatyn
	Highbury Close, Prestatyn
	Linden Drive, Prestatyn
	Gwelfor Park, Dyserth
	Maes Hyfryd/ Maes Glas, Dyserth
	Seymour Drive/ Conwy Avenue, Rhuddlan
	Rhodfa Clwyd, Trefnant
	Rhodfa Gwilym, Trefnant
	Cae Shon, Trefnant
	Hillside, St. Asaph
	Gemig Street, St. Asaph
	Meredith Crescent, Rhyl
	Russell Court, Rhyl
	Stanley Park Avenue, Rhyl
	Bryn Coed Park, Rhyl
	Elm Grove, Rhyl
	Carlisle Avenue, Rhyl
	Knowles Avenue, Rhyl
	Eaton Avenue, Rhyl
	Golden Grove, Rhyl
	Ellis/ Garnett Avenue, Rhyl
	Bull Lane, Denbigh
	Bryn Y Garn Rd/ Ffordd Meifod, Henllan
	Mill Street, Ruthin
Surface Dressing
	Denbigh to Henllan
	Tyn Llanfair to Glan Hespin x rds, Pentrecelyn
	Marian Bach Road, Cwm
	Marian Cwm Road, Cwm
	Bryn Glas Road, Cwm
	Bwlch to Bondlanfa Road, Cwm
	Bodlonfa to Bryn Glan Road, Cwm
	Plas Mawr Road, Cwm
	Bryn Hedydd Road, Cwm
	Pant Y Dulaith Road, Cwm
	Dyffryn Aur Road, Cwm
	Bodlonfa to A55, Cwm
	Rhyd Farm to B5119, Dyserth
	Marli Hill, Glascoed
	Tan Y Graig Road,
	Accarr Road
	Plas Nantglyn (top of road)
	Llety Road, Gwyddelwern
	Betws GG Village to County Boundary
	Cefn Coch Road, Llanelidan
	Pen Cae, Llanelidan
	Betws GG Village
	Rhewl Wen, Llanelidan
	Rhoslydan to Bryn-rhedyn, Bryneglwys

North Wales Police launch specialist rape investigation team

From today, North Wales Police will bring together specialist staff from across North Wales to form one team dedicated to investigating rape.

  

This team will work closely with partners in the Crown Prosecution Service of Wales, Betsi Calwalder Health Board and third sector colleagues to form a cohort of rape specialists to be known as Amethyst Team. 

The team will be based throughout north Wales but make use of the SARC building in Old Colwyn to interview, gather evidence and support victims. 

 

It will work closely with partners in the Crown Prosecution Service of Wales, Betsi Calwalder Health Board and third sector colleagues.

 

Comprising a Detective Inspector, three Detective Sergeants, twelve Detective Constables, six Specially Trained officers and an analyst, Amethyst will also utilise its analytical capability to better understand offences of rape in North Wales and provide a proactive response to preventing rape and safeguarding those vulnerable to rape offences.

 

Any victim of rape aged under thirteen years and those under eighteen years offended against by family members will be assisted by specialist child abuse investigators within public protection units. 

 

Victims over thirteen years for non-interfamilial offences and all offences where the victim is over eighteen years will be assisted by Amethyst Team staff.

 

Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard said: “Over many years we have striven to improve the service we provide victims of serious sexual offences and the Amethyst Team is just part of that on-going holistic approach. 

 

"Improving the well-established relationship we have with our partners in CPS, Health and the Voluntary Sector we are determined to ensure victims receive our full support and guidance through every stage of the Criminal Justice System. 

 

"Our five objectives are in setting up this dedicated team are:to provide a good quality of service to victims, to improve the investigations carried out by specially trained officers and dedicated detectives, to improve the Criminal Justice outcomes,to work smarter and more efficiently with our partners and finally to improve the confidence and trust the community have in the way serious sexual offences are investigated.

 

“Sexual Offences are under reported and I’d encourage any victims to come forward, you will be taken seriously, your complaint will be investigated professionally and you will receive the support of trained Police Officers, Crown Prosecution Lawyers and dedicated Counsellors from the Health Service all whom are core to the Amethyst Team.”

 

Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick said:  “First and foremost we hope that victims will feel sufficiently confident to make a complaint to the police.  They may feel that they are criminals themselves or they may feel afraid to make a complaint, but unless they take that first step of making the complaint against the criminal, then the police cannot begin to solve the problem.”