Urgent message from Llangollen Practice

LLANGOLLEN PRACTICE – IMPORTANT PATIENT UPDATE

In order to prepare us for the next few months and to help us to continue to operate regardless of staffing levels, we have had to make some changes to the way we work which will take effect from Monday 23rd March 2020.

Patients will no longer be able to book a routine telephone consultation.

We ask that patients who have access to email and who have a non-urgent request or query contact us via Llangollen.Admin@wales.nhs.uk. This email account will be constantly monitored by our staff.

Patients who do not have email access or who need to speak to a doctor urgently are asked to ring us on 01978 860625. They will be added to a daily triage list, and contacted that day by a clinician. Unfortunately patients will not be able to request a specific clinician.

Once triaged by a clinician, if there is a clinical need to see a patient face to face, they will be seen.

Our Glyn Ceiriog surgery will close with immediate effect.

The routine telephone consultations that we have already booked with patients will be honoured. However, you may be contacted at a time that is different to your original appointment time and by a different clinician.

We would be grateful if you would help us spread the word to patients not on the internet or Facebook.

We would like to thank all our patients for their understanding and cooperation.

Saturday update from Public Health Wales

Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

This statement will be updated daily at 12pm

Updated: 12:00 Saturday 21 March 2020

Dr Chris Williams, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“89 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 280, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher.  Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales.

“Three people in Wales who tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have now died.

“We are working closely with health boards, NHS 111 and the Welsh Government to develop systems so that NHS Wales and members of the public have appropriate access to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing.  Based on careful risk assessment, a phased rollout of testing will commence starting with health care workers involved in frontline patient facing clinical care. 

“Testing capacity is being expanded and is currently prioritised for patients, health care workers involved in frontline patient facing clinical care, and others where recommended by health board medical directors.  As our testing capacity increases, further guidance will be issued on those who are eligible for testing.

“Members of the public should follow the latest public health advice.”

The latest guidance is:

• People who live with others should stay at home for 14 days if they, or anyone in their household, has either a high temperature or a new and continuous cough
• People who live alone should stay at home for seven days if they develop a high temperature or a new and continuous cough
• Everyone should avoid non-essential contact with others and unnecessary travel; Pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut to prevent infection spreading in closed spaces
• Everyone should work from home where they possibly can
• People over 70, and vulnerable groups of any age will be advised in the next few days to be shielded from social contact for several weeks

People who are staying at home for 14 days due to another case of illness in the household, who develop symptoms, should then self-isolate for seven days from the onset of the symptoms.

People who are self-isolating, or in a household with someone who is self-isolating, should read the full stay-at-home guidance: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/ 

For the guidance in full, visit the Department of Health and Social Care website: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response  

Dr Chris Williams said:  “People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Advice about the virus is available on the Public Health Wales website.  

“People with a fever or persistent cough should stay at home for seven days if they live alone, or 14 days if they live with others.  Anyone who lives with someone displaying coronavirus symptoms should also stay at home for 14 days. They should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.  

“They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days.

“Only call 999 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not call 999 just because you are on-hold to 111.  We appreciate that 111 lines are busy, but you will get through after a wait.

“The public play a very important role in slowing the spread of infection. By following the latest advice, you will protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable and help to reduce the pressure on NHS Wales and minimise the impact of the virus.”

Cases by health board area of residence

Health Board	New cases	Cumulative cases
To be confirmed	0	1
Resident outside Wales	0	2
Swansea Bay	7	41
Aneurin Bevan	53	145
Betsi Cadwaladr	1	8
Cardiff and Vale	22	51
Cwm Taf	2	9
Hywel Dda	3	14
Powys	1	9
TOTAL	89	280

The latest information is available from GOV.UK:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response

County update on school transport for key workers' children

Denbighshire County Council has arranged for the vast majority of its contractors to operate as normal on Monday March 23rd,  to ensure that children of key workers can get to their primary and secondary schools. 

The council has instructed local bus services that normally divert to schools to continue to do so.

These arrangements will operate for one complete week, during which time the council says it will arrange for a more bespoke network of services on and from Monday March 30th.

Transport will be available on Monday for Denbighshire key workers’ children to those Flintshire primary and secondary schools that are open. 

Transport will be available on Tuesday March 24th for Denbighshire children travelling to Conwy primary and secondary schools and is likely to be available on Tuesday for those required to attend Wrexham’s primary and secondary schools.

At this stage, transport for key workers’ children to special schools and units will NOT operate on Monday 23rd but we will endeavour to re-start these as soon as possible after that.

If a contract is empty on Monday, it will also operate on Tuesday but will stand down thereafter.

Parents/ guardians need to be aware that this is a fluid situation. 

If a driver becomes ill or needs to self-isolate at the last minute and if therefore a contract cannot operate, parents/ guardians will need to ensure their children know what to do. This is very important if they are waiting for a school bus at a bus stop.

If a school has to close while transport is en route, contractors will be asked to divert to the nearest available primary or secondary school rather than to take children home, in case parents/ guardians have already left for work and there is no one to receive the children.

The  council says it would like to sincerely thank transport contractors who have done their utmost to ensure these arrangements go ahead as planned.

Saturday coronavirus update

* The Co-op in Regent Street has trays near the tills offering free DVDs and CDs to customers to help beat the coronavirus boredom. 

Cat Meade, co-ordinator of the new Llangollen Coronavirus Group page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2605345223029039/ has given a comprehensive round-up of what its volunteers are doing to help vulnerable local people during the outbreak.

She says: “Positive calls from Llangollen Police, DCC Volunteer Services and support networks, all beside us.

“Prescription requests coming in at pace, Rotary are doing a daily pick up if you can get your request to us by 11am, others will be by our selected volunteers or next day.

“Wayne and team Dee Valley Produce have been inundated with delivery requests, they have teamed up with Gwyn the butchers 01978 860075 and Porters 01978 862990 (cheese, rice, lentils, gluten free pasta) please call each shop, pay direct and advise you have ordered with Dee Valley so they can collate delivery.

“On this note and due to increasing demand we are asking any volunteers (preferably with a van, large car) to contact Wayne/Sam to assist with deliveries to keep this service in play.

“Newspapers, this will start from Monday, please place your requests with Verity Maybury via message or 07500 103945, deadline for Monday is 5pm tomorrow (Saturday) 21.03. You can also add a magazine, choc bar. A group of 16-year-old Ysgol Dinas Bran students have kindly volunteered to deliver.

“Bluebay Laundrette is open 9am -1pm, further opening hours to follow, again please use the service to keep it going.

“The Three Eagles have generously offered a FREE meal to anyone over 70 delivered to your door, please call 01978 869595 12-5pm tomorrow 21.03, delivery 3-6pm.

“Kellys chippy, free delivery 7 days a week 4.30pm - 8.30pm cash on delivery, call 07514 284790/ 07903 325220.

“Deeside Kebabs and Llangollen Kebab are delivering as normal.

“Jane Louise Tornado has been working extensive hours fundraising, applying for grants, help with the Foodshare, care packages and lots more planning for the future weeks ahead, if anyone can assist please contact Jane.

“With the announcement of pub and restaurant closures we will keep you updated on deliveries and aim to assist as many local businesses going forward.

“Cath Miller from Cambrian Hotel has kindly offered her kitchen to volunteers to batch cook for those in need, as of next week we are asking for donations to assist with this (if we don’t have funding) more to follow on this.

“As always a great community effort, getting us through another 24 hrs. Keep the safe distancing in play, and feel free to get in touch with any updates #llangollenfamily.”

Starting from today the Coop in Regent Street will have a "Show we care" hour for vulnerable customers. 

It says on Facebook: We will be prioritising our vulnerable customers and those who care for them during the hours of 8:00am and 9:00am from this Saturday and Sunday’s priority hour will be 10:00am till 11:00am."

Yesterday (Friday) Llangollen Health Centre sent out a messages to patients and customers on its new Facebook page, South Wrexham Cluster of GP Practices. https://www.facebook.com/South-Wrexham-Cluster-of-GP-Practices-100434138268393/

It says: “Age Cymru is to offer a check-in-and-chat telephone service for the over 70s in Wales who live alone from Monday 23 March 2020.

“It is hoped that the initiative will help provide some reassurances to older people, answer basic queries and link people to local services and support during the Coronavirus outbreak.

“At the beginning of this week we were all advised self-isolate as far possible to help protect us from the virus. This is particularly important for people over 70 and those with underlying health conditions because they are at higher risk of developing more severe symptoms if they become infected. In the coming days those at greatest risk will be asked to self-isolate for 12 weeks.

“Age Cymru’s chief executive Victoria Lloyd says: “These are potentially difficult times for many older people, especially those living alone who may not have anyone to share their concerns. Others may just want to have a chat about what they saw on television last night. Hopefully, this initiative will help older people cope with some of the challenges arising from the Coronavirus outbreak.”

“Anyone over 70 in Wales can register with Age Cymru, free of charge, to receive a regular telephone call from the charity in either English or Welsh. All you have to do call the Age Cymru Advice Number on 08000 223 444 or email enquiries@agecymru.org.uk.

In another message the centre said: “Slight change to prescription collection arrangements. We have set up a better temporary reception so you can now collect your prescriptions from us unless you have previously informed us that you would like us to send them to the chemist.”

Simon and the team at the Rowlands Pharmacy next to the health centres posted yesterday on Facebook: "My Dear Patients and Customers,

"I am writing this message to tell you how much we as the pharmacy team appreciate your patience and cooperation during this super challenging time. We are working flat out to make sure all the prescriptions are ready for you. We are filling staff shortages and keeping close eye on any supply problems. I am aware of temporary problem with supply of paracetamol, hand sanitisers and thermometers.

"This message is really not so much about the medication and service as such. It is more to tell you how absolutely amazed I am to see all my patients waiting patiently and not complaining about our current longer then normal waiting time. I know it must be horrible for you to wait outside the pharmacy for hours. I am absolutely proud of people offering free of charge delivering service for patients in self-isolation. You are all a wonderful example of compassion and solidarity and I am very proud to be a part of it. "

New drive through testing units have been established at three locations across North Wales to support the response to tackling Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19).

At this stage, the testing units will only be providing priority testing for identified NHS workers involved in the response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

This will reduce the risk of NHS staff infecting other patients, or having to take time off work to self-isolate if they developed symptoms, without confirmation of whether they have the virus or not.

The testing units, which have been established following advice from Public Health Wales and the Welsh Government.

One is located on the grounds of Wrexham Maelor Hospital. This will begin testing on Monday.

Testing units had been established to provide priority testing during the official containment phase of the outbreak, but were stood down as the UK moved into the delay phase.

The new units are not operating a walk in service and will not provide testing to NHS staff without an appointment.

Teresa Owen, Executive Director of Public Health at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “The Testing Units will provide testing for NHS staff who have a crucial role to play in tackling the Covid-19 outbreak.

“They are not offering a walk in service, and we ask the public not to visit the units, as they will not be tested, but may cause delays for NHS staff. I would like to provide reassurance that there is no additional risk to people living in the immediate vicinity of these units.

“We urge people to continue to follow the latest advice from Public Health Wales. People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). People with a fever or persistent cough should stay at home for seven days if they live alone, or 14 days if they live with others.

“Anyone who lives with someone displaying coronavirus symptoms should self-isolate and stay at home for 14 days. They should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. 

“They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days.”

Following on from its live streaming on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=llangollen%20group%20of%20anglican%20churches&epa=SEARCH_BOX of vicar Father Lee Taylor singing the Angelus Prayer and the ringing of the Angelus Bell yesterday afternoon St Collen’s will also be streaming its Sunday Mass at 11am tomorrow.  

The order of service can be downloaded from its website: www.stcollenschurch.org.uk

Father Lee said yesterday on Facebook: “Please message during the live feed any prayer requests, names of those who are sick or departed you would like prayed for.”

Arriva Buses Wales https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/coronavirus/important-service-information---wales/ in its latest message about emergency services give details for the local number 5 route:

5	Wrexham - Llangollen	Monday to Friday	0700	2030	40
		Saturday	0700	2030	40
		Sunday	NORMAL SUNDAY SERVICE

County confirms care arrangements for key staff’s children

Denbighshire County Council is finalising arrangements for the child care of identified key workers, in light of the on-going situation with Coronavirus.

On Wednesday, the Education Minister Kirsty Williams announced that all schools would close by the end of Friday, but care would be provided for children of key workers.  The Council has been working tirelessly to put plans in place to provide the necessary provision in  the county, with 1,900 key workers identified.

Virtually all schools in Denbighshire are making themselves available as centres as of Monday, 23 March (during normal school hours). The only exceptions to this will be Ysgol Trefnant, Ysgol Pendref (Denbigh), Ysgol Llanbedr and St Asaph VP.

For those children who normally go to a school which is not opening, the Council will inform those families and allocate them a place in the most appropriate school.  Those parents/ guardians are asked to drop-off their children at the school on Monday morning and information will be communicated to those parents.   Guest pupils will be accompanied by available staff from their home school.

Catering facilities will be available each day.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement said: “This kind of situation is completely unprecedented and we have been working very hard with our schools to make sense of what is happening and making sure that we are providing consistent and up to date advice in what is a fast moving situation. Things are changing on an hourly basis.

“We have pressed the Welsh Government for clarity and guidance, but that has not been forthcoming.  In the meantime, and with the clock ticking, we have decided to put in place plans for key staff we have identified or who have been in touch with us.  That has been done with national guidance in mind, to protect the health and well-being of our children and young people, to adhere to social distancing advice and to avoid mass gatherings.

“We are extremely grateful to schools for their support and we recognise that a lot of parents and guardians have been left in a position wanting answers.  We would like to reassure everyone that we have been pressing Welsh Government for answers on a wide range of issues and have decided to put these plans in place immediately.

“The situation is ever changing and we are making a commitment to communicating with school communities as much as possible.  Hopefully the arrangements being put in place will settle into a routine quickly and provide some peace of mind to parents/ guardians and for communities.

“The Council has also called for clarity on a number of other issues, including how free school meals delivery will work for those eligible, clarity around examinations and how long schools are expected to close.  We will provide information on this when it becomes available”.

Cafes, pubs and restaurants must close, says PM

Breaking News

Cafes, pubs and restaurants must close from Friday night, except for take-away food, to tackle coronavirus, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said.

Night clubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres have also been asked to close "as soon as they reasonably can".

Mr Johnson said that, at present, "we need to keep people apart" - but that the situation will be reviewed each month.

The government is to pay 80% of wages for employees not working, up to £2,500 a month, Chancellor Rishi Sunak says.

Llangollen votes against Business Improvement District plan

Businesses in Llangollen have voted against a Business Improvement District (BID).

A total of 49 eligible businesses voted against adopting the scheme to enhance the town by charging a levy on those with a rateable value above £2,500.

As only 39 cast their votes in favour for the BID, this didn't achieve the 50% majority required for the scheme to go ahead.

According to voting figures just released by the county council, the total number of votes cast in the ballot, excluding any given on ballot papers rejected was 88.

The scheme aimed to boost the area’s trading potential by raising extra cash on top of their rates to pay for projects over and above what the local authority would finance. This would include marketing and promotion and parking.

The intense battle over the BID led to the resignation recently of town councillor Andy Andy Beech who was staunchly opposed to it. 

Graham Timms, the Llangollen county councillor who was in favour of the BID, said: “Whilst I am disappointed with the result, under the current circumstances it is probably not the most important issue on people's minds.

"However, I'm sure that there will be an opportunity to discuss the underlying reasons for the rejection of the BID in the coming months.”

Former town councillor Karen Edwards, who led a campaign against the BID, said: "I was never convinced that a BID was the way forward for this unique town.

"I feel enormously relieved for all the small businesses here that were extremely concerned about their viability, especially give the current coronavirus crisis.

"I spoke to enough of them so I was fully aware of their concerns."

The official results ...