County's disappointment over bank meeting snub

Denbighshire County Council has expressed its frustration and  disappointment at a decision by Nat West bank not to send a representative along to meeting to discuss the closure of the majority of the bank’s branches across the county.

The council’s  Communities Scrutiny Committee had invited Nat West Bank officials to discuss the decision to close all branches in the county except Rhyl, and how it proposed to deliver accessible quality services to residents in future, particularly the elderly, vulnerable, those who are not digitally active or have poor broadband access. 

The invite follows concerns raised that the closures will have a detrimental impact on communities and people’s ability to access financial services.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Cabinet Lead Member for Finance, said: “The response to the invitation was disappointing to say the least and we are frustrated with the bank’s response.

“Closing virtually all of their branches in Denbighshire will affect many communities, with customers having to travel quite far in some cases to access their bank face to face.  

"We also fear that the decision will have a negative impact on how the council can deliver on its priorities around developing the local economy and  protecting vulnerable people and supporting them to live independently."

Councillor Huw Hilditch Roberts, Chair of Communities Scrutiny Committee, said: “The Committee acknowledges that bank representatives have already engaged with a number of local stakeholders. However, Committee members are extremely disappointed that Nat West have turned down the invitation to attend scrutiny – which would have been a meeting open to the public to attend – to explain their decisions and future proposals in a public forum. 

“The door remains open for Nat West to discuss its approach to the bank closures."

Louisa's latest update from her Far East challenge

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* Louisa meets some local children on her ride. 

Intrepid Llangollen Operatic Society member Louisa Jones is nearing the end of her mammoth 280-mile charity cycling expedition through the Far East.

Back in 2012 Louisa Jones, 38, took part in a gruelling 260-mile cycling expedition through India in aid of three women’s cancer causes, raising over £3,000 along the way.

Now she’s climbed back into the saddle for the same three charities - Breast Cancer Care, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

This time she’s joined a group of 70 women to cycle 450km (280 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Angkor Wat in Cambodia by February 17.

Louisa, who has already raised around £2,000 in sponsorship for the trip, is  sending regular progress reports on the expedition to llanblogger.

Here is her latest update ...

On Saturday we had a much needed day off cycling and instead made a five-hour journey by ferry up the Mekong river from Chau Doc, crossing the border into Cambodia.

We got a fascinating insight into river life along the way, passing countless riverside dwellings, fishing boats and heavily laden cargo ships carrying a huge variety of fresh produce and natural resources.

Our destination port was Phnom Penh and after disembarking, we paid a visit to the National museum, where we received an interesting overview of Cambodian beliefs and life through the ages. The evening was spent exploring the city by tuk tuk, a favourite mode of transport here.

On Sunday the cycling recommenced with a 34-mile route through some stunning countryside and rural communities where people live humbly but seemingly happily in wooden houses on stilts, which they share with their animals.

We stopped at a number of working  monasteries for water breaks and lunch, where we found some very ornate temples and spoke to Buddhist monks and trainees, gaining a glimpse into their frugal way of life, a complete contrast to the opulence of the buildings in which they worked and worshipped.

There was so much to see and so many wonderful photo opportunities along the way that it's a wonder we got to the hotel in Kampong Cham before nightfall but we did and spent the remainder of the evening exploring the temple and bustling town. 

Today (Monday) was our biggest test and we set out at 6am to take on a gruelling route along highways that fell just short of 70 miles.

To put this in perspective, it was the equivalent of cycling from Chirk to Birmingham but in 35 degree heat with strong head and cross winds at times.

It took a huge physical and mental effort for a lot of us, especially in the heat of the afternoon and with aches and pains kicking in. However we did it and arrived in Kompong Thom just before 5pm.

Tomorrow is the final day of our amazing journey and will no doubt be an emotional one for all.

Health board launches battle against sepsis

* Pictured with Tracy Savijn, RRAILS (Rapid Response to Acute Illness) service improvement & development manager for BCUHB, are Karen Roberts, Claire Bishop and Ben Goldsmith from the stroke team.

A new initiative to halt sepsis, a life-threatening infection, is being rolled out across every hospital ward in North Wales.

New ‘one-use’ medical boxes, which hold everything needed to quickly deliver crucial treatment for the condition, are being introduced to wards across the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) area. 

All wards at Ysbyty Gwynedd currently hold the sepsis boxes, which are designed like an advent calendar and allow staff fast access to vital medical equipment, with step-by-step instructions.

They will now be made available to staff at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan and Wrexham Maelor Hospital. The boxes contain all of the resources needed to deliver the six critical steps for swift sepsis treatment and include an oxygen mask, fluid balance chart and specimen bottles, drips and fluids.

Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of an infection, which develops when chemicals produced by the immune system to fight an infection instead cause inflammation throughout the body. 

Without early treatment, sepsis can lead to shock, multiple organ failure and even death.
The condition can be triggered by an infection in any part of the body but the most common sites leading to sepsis are the lungs, urinary tract, abdomen and pelvis.

The condition affects approximately 150,000 people every year in the UK, and results in an estimated 44,000 deaths – more than the number caused by bowel, breast and prostate cancer combined. 

Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, said: “We’re working extremely hard to ensure our workforce has the best training, resources and equipment possible to deliver the highest quality care to our patients. 

“This simple box is a life-saving addition to our wards and will ensure our nursing staff and clinicians are given the very best opportunity to reduce the threat of sepsis as quickly as possible.

“Sepsis is a real time critical condition where every second counts. Having everything in one place will save time and hopefully lives.”

BCUHB is also asking the public to help support the campaign by following guidance on infection prevention including cleaning hands at the bedside when visiting patients. 

Tracy Savijn, Rapid Response to Acute Illness service improvement & development manager for BCUHB, said: “Treatment for sepsis is time sensitive. The quicker we treat, the increased chances of success.

“We’re working hard to raise awareness around the issue, and these packs will help staff identify when a patient’s condition is deteriorating and deliver the right treatment to the right patient at the right time. 

“Sepsis is a debilitating condition which can be life changing for patients, which is why we’re working extremely hard to equip staff with the best resources possible to tackle it.”  

BCUHB has also developed a new chart to record a patient’s physiological observations. The information sheet contains flowcharts to prompt staff to screen a patient for sepsis and guides health workers on who and how to call for help. 

Additional procedure packs containing resources for urinary catheters will also soon be introduced throughout BCUHB.  

“All of these tools together will give the ward staff the confidence to commence treatment for sepsis whilst waiting for help from clinicians to arrive,” added Tracy.

The all-in-one kits are the latest initiative at BCUHB to tackle infections, and follows the Health Board’s Asepsis - Act Now campaign, launched just before Christmas in a further bid to prevent infections.

As part of the campaign, similar packs for inserting cannulas and taking blood samples were also introduced to wards in October last year.  

Tracey Cooper, Assistant Director of Nursing for Infection Prevention, said: “The packs bring together the equipment needed to make it easier for staff to deliver high standards of care.

“By having it all in one place, we minimise the risk of infection and help save staff time.

“We’re continuing to work hard to find ways of helping our staff combat infection. 

As part of the Asepsis - Act Now campaign, all clinical staff will complete additional training on the use and management of invasive devices, such as drips and catheters. Additional resources for trainers and assessors have also been made available throughout the Health Board. 

Louisa's second update from cycling marathon

* One of the colourful scenes Louisa has cycled past.

AN INTREPID Llangollen Operatic Society member is on her mammoth 280-mile charity cycling expedition through the Far East.

Back in 2012 Louisa Jones, 38, took part in a gruelling 260-mile cycling expedition through India in aid of three women’s cancer causes, raising over £3,000 along the way.

Now she’s climbed back into the saddle for the same three charities - Breast Cancer Care, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

This time she’s joined a group of 70 women to cycle 450km (280 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Angkor Wat in Cambodia by February 17.

Louisa, who has already raised around £2,000 in sponsorship for the trip, will be sending in regular progress reports on the expedition to llanblogger.

Here is her latest update, covering days two and three of her trip

"Yesterday was one of the longest cycling days in our itinerary and took us over 60 miles along scenic routes through paddy fields and rural communities before heading into the city of Tra Vinh, where we stayed overnight.

The heat and high humidity on top of the distance made for a pretty challenging day all round and a couple of ladies required assistance from our team doctors along the way.

One of the highlights of the day was crossing a major suspension bridge on the outskirts of Tra Vinh. We then cycled on into the rush hour traffic, which resulted in a few hair raising  experiences in the chaotic traffic and some close shaves with the ubiquitous scooter!

Today was out third day of cycling and final day in Vietnam. After a short bus transfer early this morning,  we set out on a 44 mile ride which took us on roads lined with rustic wooden dwellings, running alongside a tributary of the Mekong river. It was another extremely hot day, which made the hills we encountered in the afternoon seem even longer and steeper.

Sights along the way included ornate temples and breathtaking scenery, complete with a backdrop of rugged mountains. 

Yet again, people waved and called out to us as we peddled by and teachers allowed entire classes of immaculately presented school children to stand at the roadside and greet us with high fives and "hellos".

Our efforts were finally rewarded when we reached the bustling town of Chau Dok and were shuttled up a hill to our accommodation, which had the most stunning views across the province and was a prime vantage point for sunset.

Tomorrow we have a day off cycling and will take a 6 hour boat ride up the river and into Cambodia, arriving at Phnom Penh, where our journey will recommence on Sunday. I'm looking forward to it but will certainly miss this stunning, peaceful country."

Two injured in A539 collision

The BBC is reporting that two men were injured in a collision on the A539 near Trevor early yesterday (Thursday) evening.

* For the full report, see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-38926684

County issues bird flu reminder

Denbighshire Council’s Planning and Public Protection service is reminding local poultry farmers and captive bird owners to keep their birds indoors or take immediate appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds.

The Welsh Government has extended the enhanced biosecurity requirements in order to protect poultry and captive birds from a strain of avian flu circulating in the UK. The protection zone covers the whole of Wales and has now been extended until 28^th February 2017.

Further measures have been introduced in respect of restrictions on auctions and sales.

Outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N8) have been confirmed in poultry and wild birds in several areas of the UK including south Wales and this order is a precautionary measure to help prevent potential infection from wild birds.  

Similar orders have also been put in place in Scotland and England.

The Welsh Government is continuing to monitor the situation closely and has increased its surveillance activity, while keepers are being urged to reinforce biosecurity measures on their premises.

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: “There have been several cases in the UK and this is an important precautionary measure to prevent further outbreaks. The prevention zone has been declared to reduce the risk of infection from wild birds and to allow time for poultry and captive bird keepers to put appropriate biosecurity measures in place.

“Poultry keepers are advised to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns. Even when birds are kept indoors, a small risk of infection remains so biosecurity should not be compromised. Clothing and equipment should be disinfected, the movement of poultry should be reduced and contact between poultry and wild birds should be minimised.”

* Poultry keepers can keep up to date with the requirements or get further information from http://gov.wales/topics/environmentcountryside/ahw/disease/avianflu/?lang=en

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu

The Animal Plant & Health Agency (APHA) can be contacted by telephone on 0300 303 8268.

Louisa's first update from her charity challenge

* Louisa Jones, left, sets off on her charity cycling marathon.

AN INTREPID Llangollen Operatic Society member has pedalled away on the first leg of  her mammoth 280-mile charity cycling expedition through the Far East. Back in 2012 Louisa Jones, 38, took part in a gruelling 260-mile cycling expedition through India in aid of three women’s cancer causes, raising over £3,000 along the way. Now she’s climbed back into the saddle for the same three charities - Breast Cancer Care, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action. This time she’s joined a group of 70 women to cycle 450km (280 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Angkor Wat in Cambodia by February 17. Louisa, who has already raised around £2,000 in sponsorship for the trip, will be sending in regular progress reports on the expedition to llanblogger. And here is the first received yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon …

“We arrived at Ben Tre, the starting point for our challenge, mid-afternoon on Tuesday after around 24 hours in transit.

“Our group of 102 ladies from all over the UK, plus a number from Italy, Spain and even as far afield as Mexico, had convened at  Heathrow early Monday morning to fly first to Singapore and then on to Ho Chi Minh City, before transferring to Ben Tre by coach.

“The city of Ben Tre, located on Vietnam's Mekong Delta, is the main town in the province of the same name. On arrival we were fitted for our bikes and then had free time to explore the colourful market nearby to our hotel.

“I've been to some interesting markets on my travels around the world but this really was something very special with a huge and exotic array of wares for sales.

“After a refreshing and much needed night’s sleep, we embarked on our first day of cycling. To acclimatise and allow us to get used to our bikes, we cycled only a modest 31 miles from Ben Tre to Tra Vinh, crossing the Mekong and a tributary by ferry on the way.

“Due to the heat and high humidity, we have to start off very early each day to take advantage of the slightly cooler morning temperature. We therefore set off at around 7.30 this morning, cycling first through the outskirts of the city and then on into a swampy, jungle like area where you can find water coconut groves among the fairly dense vegetation.

“We then cycled on into rural communities, where people live in modest, rustic dwellings and set up shops by the roadside selling everything from fruit, vegetables and coconuts to live chickens and local delicacies.

“Given Vietnam's turbulent history, these communities strike you as extremely peaceful, which could be attributable to the strong Buddhist culture, and although a large group of lycra clad cyclists is clearly a source of much curiosity, there was never any feeling of hostility or intimidation and locals waved and shouted as we passed by.

“The roads were much better than I expected so far. The main method of transport used here is the scooter (tax on cars is 200%) and people use them quite literally to carry everything!

“Driving through Ho Chi Minh alone we witnessed someone with a family of four on his bike and later, a washing machine and even a tree!

“What struck me through was how little road rage or aggression there was, with scooter drivers doing their utmost to avoid you and warn you of their presence with a friendly toot - thoroughly refreshing! 

“Tomorrow is a more challenging day with a route of 67 miles taking us from Tra Vinh to Can Tho alongside paddy fields and stunning scenery. It will tough no doubt but hopefully also very rewarding.”

* To sponsor Louisa, go to her fundraising page at:  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Louisa-Jones9