Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Hywel Dda University Health Board is reminding people not to visit patients in hospitals and care homes if they have been feeling unwell. Members of the public are advised to be cautious when choosing to visit a loved one or friend if they have recently been ill or had any symptoms of seasonal illnesses such as flu or norovirus (winter vomiting bug). Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Caroline Oakley said: "Illnesses such as diarrhoea and vomiting and flu can pass from one person to another very easily. “Viruses can be extremely serious for sick and vulnerable patients and we are asking for your support to protect patients and healthcare workers. "If you feel unwell or have diarrhoea and vomiting or flu symptoms, we ask that you wait at least 48 hours after becoming symptom-free before visiting any hospital or care facility. “If you are experiencing these symptoms it is important to wash and dry your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before you handle food to pre...

Four Carmarthenshire County Council care homes are taking part in a national programme to promote quality of life and dignity for older residents. Y Bwthyn in Llanelli, Awel Tywi in Llandeilo, Dolyfelin in St Clears and Maes Llewellyn in Newcastle Emlyn have been awarded funding by the Burdett Trust to run a Nursing and Age Cymru grant programme. The care homes will use the award to run and develop a dignity programme for its residents, particularly those who have a dementia. Senior Manager Gail Jones said: “Dignity is at the heart of everything we do in our care homes and residents’ needs always come first. “This award from the Burdett Trust will allow us to explore our approach to dementia care and find out if there’s even more we can do to support people who live in our homes.” The care homes were given the grant through the Burdett Trust by an Age Cymru programme called My Home Life Cymru. John Moore, Manager of My Home Life Cymru, said: “We're delighted to have awarded Carma...

Carmarthenshire people are being asked to consider the full facts when forming their opinions over the future of care services for older people. The council’s Executive Board member for social services has spoken out to encourage people to be aware of the full story on issues such as care home closures. Cllr Pat Jones said people are forming their opinions without being fully aware of the current situation, and are being swayed by media articles centred on claims by a protest group, which are often very misleading. One of the most recent pieces of misinformation centres on the number of current vacancies in local authority care homes in Llanelli. Claims are being made that there are only five local authority beds available in the Llanelli area, when in fact there are 19 beds lying empty. There are a further 30 beds empty in independent care homes in the Llanelli area. The costs of running these empty beds equate to over £1million – money which would otherwise be spent on the increasing...

Consultation over the future of two Llanelli care homes will begin today. Carmarthenshire County Council is formally seeking the views of residents, their families, and staff, in relation to Caemaen and St Paul’s residential care homes. The authority is proposing to remodel care provision across the county, improving facilities, providing more flexible services and giving older people more housing choices. The consultation stage follows the recommendations of a cross party task and finish group, which were accepted by the Joint Housing and Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee and executive board. Consultation will take place throughout October and November – the first meetings taking place at St Paul’s today (October 12) and at Caemaen tomorrow. Responses will be considered and analysed to inform the final version of a discussion document on flexible care and housing choices for older people. A final decision on the future of Caemaen and St Paul’s will be made by full council. Cll...