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Health

Police and drugs advice service issue warning over ‘deadly batch’ of heroin

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POLICE have asked the media to issue a warning over a batch of heroin.

The drug circulating in west Wales, first detected in Llanelli, is particularly dangerous, it has been confirmed.

“We are warning drug users to take extra care following reports of a particularly harmful batch of heroin circulating in the Llanelli area” said a Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson.

“We have reasons to believe some drugs being distributed and used in the Carmarthenshire area at present have been contaminated with other substances and could be extremely dangerous for anyone taking them.

“We would also appeal to drug users to seek medical attention immediately if they become unwell.

“Please share this information with anyone you believe could come into contact with these drugs.

”In an emergency or if you think someone’s life is at risk always dial 999.”

Earlier this week Barod, the drug and alcohol abuse service reported a dangerous and toxic heroin circulating in Pembroke Dock which a spokesperson described as being ‘potentially deadly’.

To comes as Public Health England issued a formal alert about the risks of heroin containing fentanyl or carfentanyl.

The warning reads: “There is significant evidence from a small number of post-mortem results of recent drug user deaths and from police seizures that some heroin may contain fentanyl or carfentanyl added by dealers.

“These are highly potent synthetic opioids and very small amounts can cause severe or even fatal toxicity.

“Those of you in contact with heroin users should be alert to the increased possibility of overdose arising from heroin cut with these synthetic opioids, be able to recognise possible symptoms of overdose and respond appropriately.”

The fentanyls are a group of synthetic opioids; some have legitimate uses while others are illicit drugs.

Fentanyl is about 100 times more potent than morphine and is a licensed medicine used to treat severe and terminal pain. Carfentanyl is 4,000 – 10,000 times more potent than morphine and principally used as an animal tranquilliser.

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Health

One in five preventable death reports related to Betsi

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ONE IN FIVE of the preventable death reports issued by coroners across Wales and England last year related to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the Senedd heard.

Darren Millar raised alarm about high numbers of prevention of future death reports, which can be issued after inquests, questioning whether lessons are being learned in north Wales.

The Conservative MS for Clwyd West pointed to the case of Jennifer Trigger, a 71-year-old constituent, who died after suffering an acute stroke in January 2020.

Mr Millar said a coroner issued a Regulation 28 prevention of future death report last week.

He told the Senedd: “Due to a misunderstanding caused by the alert system in the Wrexham Maelor Hospital, the time-critical treatment that she was prescribed was not given until 11 hours after it should have been administered.”

Mr Millar called for a statement from the Welsh Government on what action is being taken by the health board, which has been in and out of special measures for a decade.

He said: “Last year some 21% of all prevention of future death reports issued by coroners across the whole of England and Wales were in respect of Betsi Cadwaladr.

“That is an astonishing statistic.”

Mr Millar added: “Now, clearly, we have to make sure that our NHS learns when issues like this occur and when reports of this nature are published.

“I cannot accept that it is appropriate that 21% of all of those reports which are being issued have been in respect of one single health board.”

During the Senedd’s business statement on March 12, Llŷr Gruffydd echoed calls for an update from the health minister on preventable death reports.

The Plaid Cymru MS, who represents North Wales, said: “They are there, of course, to help prevent future deaths and they clearly require urgent action by health boards.

“But, despite that statutory duty, there are worrying trends in north Wales.”

Mr Gruffydd told the chamber Betsi Cadwaladr accounted for 41% of all preventable death coroner reports in Wales, rising to 50% in 2021-22.

He said: “In the past nine months, Betsi Cadwaladr health board accounts for 80% of all of these preventable death reports in Wales – that’s 21 out of a total of 25.

“Now that to me points to a very serious ongoing problem in the north.”

Lesley Griffiths, who is Trefnydd, the Welsh Government’s business manager, similar to the leader of the house at Westminster, agreed that lessons have to be learned.

Ms Griffiths said she would ask Eluned Morgan, Wales’ health minister, to bring forward a written statement on prevention of future death reports.

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Health

MP visits local optician to discuss enhanced eye care and NHS support

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ON SATURDAY, March 16, local MP Stephen Crabb visited Specsavers on Bridge Street, Haverfordwest, to discuss the optician’s important role in providing enhanced eye care and alleviating the NHS’s burdens. This visit highlighted the considerable contributions of community health services to the broader healthcare system.

Specsavers in Haverfordwest has been serving the community for over 30 years and has become a beacon of development in eye care services, introducing state-of-the-art equipment and fostering professional growth among its staff. The store, which was bustling with activity during Crabb’s visit, also houses a thriving hearing centre, further demonstrating its commitment to comprehensive health and wellness.

The main purpose of the visit was to gain insights into how the optician’s office is addressing the challenges posed by conditions that significantly contribute to the NHS’s workload, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. “Hearing from constituents about their concerns over waiting lists for essential treatments has been distressing. Seeing first-hand how these conditions are managed locally has been incredibly enlightening,” said Crabb.

During his visit, Crabb was particularly impressed by the evolution of Specsavers, not only as a business but as an indispensable part of the local healthcare infrastructure. The optician’s efforts in delivering essential eye care services have earned national recognition, showcasing the impact of their work well beyond the confines of Haverfordwest.

A key highlight of Crabb’s visit was the dedication shown by Andy Britton and his team in meeting vital community needs. “I am grateful to Andy Britton for sharing the impactful work being done here. It’s evident that Specsavers in Haverfordwest is playing a pivotal role not just in eye care, but in supporting our healthcare system at large,” Crabb concluded.

This visit served to not only commend the significant efforts of local opticians like Specsavers in supporting the NHS but also to emphasise the crucial role of community-based health services in tackling prevalent health issues. As the demand for healthcare services continues to escalate, the contribution of establishments like Specsavers in Haverfordwest becomes ever more vital in delivering timely and effective care.

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Health

New strategy for maternity and early years services in west Wales

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PEMBROKESHIRE, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion local authorities along with Hywel Dda University Health Board, in conjunction with third sector partners, have launched the Maternity and Early Years Strategy 2022-26 showing their commitment of putting children at the centre of excellent integrated services.

Launched on St David’s Day, 1 March 2024, the strategy aims to establish integrated maternity and early years services for every child, through close collaboration between local authorities, third sector partners, and health professionals. Integrating services and identifying needs early are at the centre of the approach to improve outcomes and experiences for children and their families.

Delegates to the launch of the Maternity and Early Years Strategy 2022-26 heard from inspirational speakers who presented their cases for transforming maternity and early years services to provide seamless and timely support to families across the region.

University of Oxford’s Dr. Iram Siraj OBE emphasised the significance of early childhood development and the requirement for integrated services; underlying the significance of multi-agency collaboration, stakeholder involvement, and early identification of children who are at-risk. She also talked about the financial difficulties families face in accessing affordable childcare.

With an emphasis on the First 1000 Days programme in Wales, Amy McNaughton, Public Health Consultant for the First 1000 Days Programme, stressed the importance of a public health strategy for assisting parents.

Director of the Centre for Early Child Development, Claire Law, highlighted the value of a place-based approach for improving outcomes for children and their families.

The launch event was also an opportunity to display how families and professionals across the regional had benefitted from a place based integrated model of delivering maternity and early years services.

The guest speakers’ research on early childhood development, poverty’s impact, and inclusive policy development aligns with the Maternity and Early Years Strategy’s priorities. This launch marks the beginning of a very exciting journey for both professionals and families living across the region which will positively impact on the outcomes of our future generations.

Read the Maternity & Early Years Strategy for West Wales for further information.

Cabinet Member for Health and Social Services for Carmarthenshire Council, Cllr Jane Tremlett said: “It is an honour to witness the launch of a strategy that will provide essential support and opportunities to those in need. The conference was filled with remarkable individuals who serve as inspiration for our continued efforts. Together, we are creating a community where every family and child can succeed.”

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