Care homes on Covid "war footing" warns sector boss

* Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales.

Care homes in Wales are on a “war footing” because of desperate staff shortages caused by the skyrocketing Covid infection rate, according to a sector leader.

Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales, says the homes are facing their worst ever crisis with reports that 75% of staff were off work in some of them, either because they had contracted Coronavirus or were self-isolating.

The situation is so bad that as a last resort homes were introducing “firebreaks” to temporarily restrict visiting as the highly infectious Omicron variant tore across Wales, he claims.

Domiciliary care companies were also struggling badly and were often unable to provide the usual level of care.

Mr Kreft warned that the situation was only going to get worse before things got better.

So much so, that some care homes were likely to be forced to declare an NHS-style “critical incident” because they were unable to cope.

But he feared reinforcements might not be available because statutory organisations like local health boards and councils were also short of staff.

Mr Kreft said: “The scale of the challenge is one we have never faced before. It’s really, really tough out there.

“The First Minister reminded us in 2020 that the social care sector was in a fragile state before the pandemic because of its precarious finances and the shortage of staff.

“After two  year of this, the pressures  have been building up and now we’re facing a completely different challenge because the Omicron strain of Covid is so prevalent and so transmissible.

“As a result, we’re seeing problems we’ve not encountered before.

“Care Forum Wales members have been reporting being down by up to 75 per cent in terms of staffing shifts. We’re on a war footing.

“The social care workforce has been heroic right through this pandemic. It’s taken a pandemic for people to realise how essential these workers are – just in the same way as the NHS and other services.

“They are rising to the challenge but it’s incredibly difficult and it’s probably going to get much worse before it gets better.

“It’s quite possible that some care homes will have to call on the statutory services. There are plans in place and we have been working with Welsh Government and our colleagues  in health boards and local government.

“We may have to declare what the NHS would call a critical incident and in that case the only place you can go is the statutory agencies.

“The trouble is that we all know they are suffering like everybody else at the moment so whether there would be people available to alleviate the crisis, I don’t know.

“What we are talking about is making sure that people are as comfortable and as safe as they can be.

“This also applies to our domiciliary care workers who are facing similar challenges, so the visits to people’s homes may not be as long or as often as they might have been until we get through this.

“Nobody understands the importance of care home visiting better than those that run and work in care homes. It’s essential to people’s wellbeing and we’ve had decades of open house visiting without any appointments.

“The last two years  have been incredibly challenging and I think people need to understand that safe visiting currently also requires a staffing input which makes it even more difficult if you are short of staff and don’t have the capacity to ensure safe visiting.

“I don’t think there have been any situations where people haven’t been allowed to visit for people in very extreme circumstances.

“I think what we’ll see is firebreaks or temporary pauses in terms of visiting individual care homes.

“The responsibility is clearly with the registered manager and the organisation running each setting.

“All the registered providers have legal responsibilities towards their residents and they also have responsibility for the health and safety of their own staff.

“I think what we’ll see – and we’re starting to see it already  - is that visiting will be restricted for a period of days or a week or so because quite simply there will not be the staff to ensure safe visiting.

“The other added complication is that care homes are now unable to secure insurance against Covid-related claims so they really cannot afford to take any risks.

“But as soon as we and ensure safe visiting again, we will revert to that. That’s what people have been doing over Christmas and New Year. All I would ask from people is understanding because it is such a difficult time.”

Businesses can check how much Covid-19 help they will get

* Economy Minister Vaughan Gething.

Businesses in Wales impacted by the rapid spread of the Omicron virus can now find out how much they can expect to receive in emergency financial support from the Welsh Government.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething previously said £120m would be available for retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism business and their supply chains affected by the move to alert level 2 announced by the First Minister on Wednesday 22 December.

The support package includes funding from the Economic Resilience Fund (ERF), with an eligibility checker for this fund now live on the Business Wales website.

This will help businesses, including charities and social enterprises, to gauge how much they can expect to receive from the ERF.

Eligible businesses can apply for grants of between £2,500k - £25,000, with grants dependent on their size and number of employees.

The application window for the ERF will open in week commencing 17 January 2022, with payments starting to reach businesses within days. The application window will be open for two weeks.

Mr Gething, said: “We recognise that businesses are facing another hugely uncertain time due to the Omicron variant of Coronavirus. The eligibility checker which goes live today will help them forward plan during this challenging period.

“Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve provided over £2.6bn of support to businesses throughout Wales to help them manage their way through difficult circumstances. This latest £120 million package of support will further assist impacted businesses and we will get financial support to them as quickly as possible.”

Non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses in Wales will also receive support from the Non Domestic Rates (NDR) linked grant which will be administered by Local Authorities. Businesses will be entitled to a payment of £2,000, £4,000 or £6,000 depending on their rateable value.

Local Authorities will also be administrating a discretionary fund for sole traders, freelancers and taxi drivers and businesses that employee people but do not pay business rates.

The registration process for the NDR linked grants and application process for the discretionary fund will open week commencing the 10 January 2022.

* The ERF eligibility checker can be found at: https://fundchecker.businesswales.gov.wales/businesssupport

There's now more time to get involved in Llangollen's People's Plan

You now have more time to have your say on Llangollen’s People’s Plan.

And to let everyone know how and by when they can get involved every household in the town is this week to receive a reminder through the post.

Known as Caru Llangollen, the plan has been prepared by a team of volunteers with the aim of providing a comprehensive vision for how our town should develop over the next four years. 

The suggestions in it are based on what the group Shape My Llangollen was told by the people of the area in a series of pre-pandemic public consultation sessions when they were asked about what they liked or didn't like about the town and how they reckon it could be improved.

These consultation sessions generated over 1,700 separate answers.

And, based on what they were told, the volunteers produced the final draft of the plan which contains around 90 proposals for improving Llangollen and its quality of life and work up until the year 2026. 

Shape My Llangollen is now in the process of putting the People's Plan back to the people for the last time before producing the final version.

This will then go before the Town Council - which set them the original task in 2018 - for approval and adoption a little later this year.

During the first week of December the group successfully completed their round of face-to-face comment gathering on the plan outside the Town Hall.

Originally the public had until December 31 to have their say on Caru Llangollen.

But feedback has been so enthusiastic that the group has now decided to extend the deadline for comments by another month, until January 31, so even more people can take part in the process. 

Hard copies of the plan are available in Llangollen library as well as online and to give the consultation an extra boost the group has now arranged for notes to be posted through every household in the town inviting comments to be made through written or emailed responses.   

Phil Robinson, who chairs SML, said: “We’ve been receiving some really valuable and positive comments on the plan to the extent where we decided to give people a bit more time to send in their comments. They now have until the end of January to tell us what they think about it.   

“This final round of public consultation is extremely important as it will be the last chance for people to have their say on this vital and far-reaching vision of the town’s future development.

"This is truly the People's Plan and something which has never been done before in Llangollen.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has taken the trouble to send in their comments so far and I invite as many people as possible to take part.”

* To look through the plan online - and turn it over page by page - go to: https://pubhtml5.com/gaql/ahfd

* Send in your comments by emailing the Town Clerk at: townclerk@llangollentowncouncil.gov.uk by January 31.

Royal Mint unveils five new coins for 2022

* The five new 2022 coins from the Royal Mint.

The Royal Mint has just revealed five new coin designs for 2022 including a 50p and a £5 crown in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.  

The release is the first chance for collectors to own a keepsake from the Platinum Jubilee collection, including the first 50p coin to celebrate a royal event. 

The commemorative £5 crown follows the tradition of marking previous jubilees on crown pieces, while a special edition platinum set has been added to the range, representing a fitting celebration of a momentous 70 years on the throne. 

The Royal Mint’s Annual Sets celebrate key events and anniversaries throughout the year, bringing milestones to life on a £5, £2 or 50 pence. Each of the coins features a new and unique design by a commissioned artist and the obverse portrait of Her Majesty the Queen, designed by Jody Clark.

The 2022 Annual Set will commemorate:

• The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen on a 50p
• The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen on a £5
• The Life and Legacy of Dame Vera Lynn on a £2
• The Life and Legacy of Alexander Graham Bell on a £2
• The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on a 50p

Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of the Consumer Division at The Royal Mint said: “Each year The Royal Mint unveils a series of commemorative coins to celebrate key milestones that helped shape Britain and this year’s Annual Set is particularly special with a new 50 pence, £5 crown and special platinum set in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“As the Original Maker of UK coins, The Royal Mint has been trusted to strike coins for Her Majesty throughout an historic 70 years on the throne and celebrated royal milestones such as previous Jubilees on commemorative crown pieces. The Platinum Jubilee celebration is a spectacular first for the British monarchy and for UK coin, and it is fitting that this historic anniversary has been celebrated on 50 pence – which is Britain’s most loved collectable coin.”

About the 2022 designs:

The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen 50p

Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will be celebrated with a UK 50p coin – which is the first UK 50p to mark a royal event. Designed by Osborne Ross, the coin features a clean reverse design that comprises the number 70, The Queen’s cypher and the years that span her reign thus far.

The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen £5

Her Majesty the Queen’s remarkable 70-year reign will be commemorated on a £5 crown, designed by John Bergdahl. The coin features a fittingly regal design centralised by the quartered shield of the Royal Arms. The precious metals versions also include the edge inscription ‘SERVE YOU ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE’ in reference to Her Majesty’s unparalleled longevity as monarch.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dame Vera Lynn

Dame Vera Lynn’s iconic renditions of classic songs such as ‘We’ll Meet Again’ earned her eternal residency within the hearts of many.  The reverse design of this UK £2 coin features a beautifully detailed portrait of Dame Vera as she appeared during the height of her fame.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Alexander Graham Bell

Alexander Graham Bell revolutionised the world of communication through the development of his magnum opus, the telephone, This UK £2 coin celebrates this brilliant inventor in the centenary year of his passing. Featuring a design by Henry Gray, the reverse of the coin shows the dial of a push-button phone, along with the words ‘PIONEER OF THE TELEPHONE’ cleverly inscribed on the buttons.

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

The summer of 2022 sees the Commonwealth Games return to the UK, promising a spectacular occasion for British sport. The reverse of this UK 50p features a design by The Royal Mint’s own Natasha Preece, who has captured the essence of Birmingham 2022 through a striking geometric design.

The 2022 commemorative sets will be available in a range of precious metal and base proof finishes, from 4 January at The Royal Mint website, with prices starting from £30. Each of the coins will be available individually in 2022, starting with the Platinum Jubilee coins which will launch on 6 January featuring a special commemorative obverse design to celebrate the momentous royal occasion.

Warning over scam email aimed at stealing your money

The North Wales Police Community Alerts network has just issued a warning about a fake supermarket chain email now doing the rounds.

It says: "Unfortunately scam messages are on the increase. 

"The latest one to come to our attention is a fake e-mail purporting to be from Asda claiming that you will get a £90 promo reward if you complete a survey. 

"The link leads to a website that is designed to steal your personal information and possibly your money.

"Please make sure that your friends, family and neighbours are aware that this is a scam.

"Also remember if you receive a suspicious email to forward it to the National Cyber Secirity Centre: report@phishing.gov.uk

"As of the 30th November 2021 the number of reports to them stood at more than 8,700,000 which has resulted in the removal of more than 68,000 scams across 127,000 websites."

Sharper Suzuki S-Class comes out from the shadows

Suzuki S-Cross first drive by Steve Rogers

Living in the shadow of a sibling isn’t easy so spare a thought for the Suzuki S-Cross.

It burst on to the scene when the Japanese company had a model shake up in 2014 and was meant to take over from Vitara as top dog.

Trouble was it didn’t bark loud enough and was the sort of car you walked past to get to the Vitara. It was not an ugly car, not even a bad car, it just lacked pulling power.

Seven long years later Suzuki has put it right with a new model that will put a smile on faces. Let’s not get carried away, S-Cross does not have the catwalk appeal of a Peugeot 3008 or a Hyundai Tucson but bolder, sharper lines and bang up to date LED headlight design means it is worthy of a kerbside glance.

It has been a tough old year for Suzuki, not that they are alone, with a dip in market share, some of it down to something as small as a semi conductor chip. There weren’t enough to go round and cars will not go anywhere without them.

That has been resolved and there will be plenty of S-Cross models in the showrooms when they go on sale next week.

Can S-Cross do better this time round? Sharper styling will make a difference but the biggest selling point is value for money. Suzuki has made S-Cross difficult to ignore by packing the Motion model with more kit than its key rivals. Auto dipping LED headlamps, keyless entry, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, smartphone connectivity and a heap of safety technology are the stand out trimmings.

Move up to Ultra and you gain all wheel drive, panoramic sunroof, nine inch touchscreen with navigation, 360 degree view camera and leather seats.

S-Cross is no bigger than before but Suzuki say better packing has freed up more cabin space and while it is no class leader legroom is ample with a full complement of adults.

Engine choice is limited to the 1.4 litre Boosterjet which is Suzuki’s description for a turbo charger, but don’t be put off because it loves big revs and has plenty of punch helped by a 48V mild hybrid unit that masks turbo lag, improves economy and lowers emissions.

Economy is another big plus for the lightweight S-Cross with monthly fuel bill savings for the front wheel drive manual ranging from £12 to £33 against nine competitors according to Suzuki stats. It also wins on lowest engine emissions.

There has to be a disappointment and with S-Cross it is the cabin trim. There is too much hard plastic which brings down the tone but realistically costs have to be cut somewhere and may be this is the least offensive area. Better that than giving up heated seats?

Suzuki is on a mission with S-Cross and has been boosted at being named top car brand for trust by the Institute of Customer Services. The company was third out of 260 organisations with Dacia the next closest car manufacturer at 28.

It helps the cause but it will be no easy ride given the level of competition. This is a fresh start for S-Cross and with ruthless pricing is tremendous value for money. The new Nissan Qashqai, featured earlier this month, is a nicer car to drive and to be in, but it cost a whopping £38 grand and you would not get anywhere near the same level of kit in a Qashqai costing the same as the 25k S-Cross Motion.

My choice on S-Cross would be the Motion because it has just about all that is needed although I could be tempted by the excellent 360 degree camera in the Ultra. Tough decisions all round.

Fast facts

S-Cross Ultra All Grip

6-speed auto

£31,149 (£29,999 manual)

0-62mph 10.2secs; 121mph

46.3mpg combined

139g/km. 1^st VED £210

Insurance group 22

Boot 430 litres

More help available to protect vulnerable women

* North Wales Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Wayne Jones at the North Wales Women’s Centre in Rhyl with, from left, Abby Lewis, office co-ordinator; Gemma Fox, Managing Director; and Yvonne Wild, Project Manager. Picture by Mandy Jones Photography.

A vital service protecting vulnerable women across North Wales is opening two new contact centres in Wrexham and Bangor to reach out to those in need..

The North Wales Women’s Centre, in Rhyl, was forced to close its doors during lockdown, preventing women using its drop-in service.

Now the centre has re-opened and is launching its new Pathfinder offices in Wrexham and Bangor.

The Pathfinder programme, which aims to help women at risk of offending, has been commissioned and paid for by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin.

It provides early intervention and support to vulnerable women, often with issues such as alcohol and substance misuse, mental health problems and family relationships, to reduce the number in the criminal justice system while helping them live safer, healthier lives.

Centre managing director Gemma Fox said: “These are places which are welcoming, warm, friendly places where women who have been through trauma can be reassured and have confidential conversations in a safe environment.

“We know these centres can encourage women to rebuild their lives and without the help of the Commissioner we just wouldn’t have been able to go ahead with the plans

“The return to face to face work will encourage women to seek out support again as during the pandemic that personal contact couldn’t be there.

“We are beginning to see an increase in demand and are expecting this to grow with the developing economic fallout of the pandemic and drops in benefits.”

North Wales Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Wayne Jones said: “We are very keen to support the ongoing work of the Centre to divert women out of the criminal justice system whenever possible.

“We know the impact a sentence can have on a family and that’s why we want to continue our support and we welcome the fact that the Centre is opening new bases in Wrexham and Bangor to make its services more accessible to women across North Wales.

“I know from my own experience how very, very helpful these services are to women at risk including those who come to the Centre and want to change their lives.

“They have an excellent record of supporting women who are in difficult situations and in diverting them away from prison.

“Covid has brought extra challenges with the reduction in face to face meetings but they have continued to do excellent work and it’s great that they can now develop services across North Wales.”

Yvonne Wild, Project Manager at the Centre, said: “Women come to us through different routes, not just referrals from police or those who have committed offences, but those also at risk of offending.

“They’re often those who are homeless or with alcohol or drug problems, victims of domestic abuse and those in financial difficulty, particularly with the reduction in Universal Credit.

“There are also people who have lost jobs, especially in an area like Rhyl which is one of the most deprived in Wales, but also in Bangor and in Wrexham where we get the most referrals.

“There has been an increase in the numbers seeking support with domestic abuse and housing problems that we are dealing with and it hasn’t helped that women have not been able to call in during lockdown.

“However we were delighted to restart our Wednesday drop in service in Rhyl in September where women can call by without an appointment.”

* To contact the North Wales Women’s Centre and for support go to https://northwaleswomenscentre.com/ or call 01745-339331.