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Care company denies negligence

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denies negligenceA CONCERNED son is trying to help his elderly parents after they were denied the right to lodge a claim for professional negligence by Pembrokeshire Care.

Graham and Margaret Hughes had a new bathroom installed at their home in Tenby in September 2012, but say that the completed work is substandard.

A report says that Graham and Margaret have been “left with a bathroom that is dangerous, illegal, and not fit for purpose”.

Three separate reports were commissioned to look at the work and all of them found a number of problems with the work. The main issue is with the electric consumer unit for the shower is located in the gas meter enclosure, which is against regulations.

However, in an alleged cover-up by Pembrokeshire Care and Repair, they have been denied the right to lodge a claim for professional negligence and their son Mike is now speaking with police to see if a criminal offence has been committed.

Mr and Mrs Hughes were led to believe that the claim was being investigated and were also offered unsatisfactory resolutions. The project has subsequently been condemned by three separate Independent Professional Surveys. PC&R have since denied liability for the claim and have also described it as “misconceived”.

Mike has contacted the Housing Minister Carl Sargeant and has also spoken to numerous representatives at PC&R.

In a letter to the Housing Minister Carl Sargeant, Mike says: “According to their website ‘Pembrokeshire Care & Repair is a not-for-profit charitable organisation dedicated to assist older and or disabled people to remain in their own homes in comfort, safety and security’. Whereas my parents have been left with a bathroom (which my parents have paid for) which is dangerous, illegal, and not fit for purpose. Pembrokeshire Care and Repair deny liability”.

In an email sent to PC&R Chairman David Bryan, Mike writes: “As an aide memoire, allow me to point to the more egregious half-truths, prevarications, and falsehoods contained in the PC&R letter dated October 11.”

One of the main half-truths is: ‘Your parents consider that the contractor’s works were defective’.

“This fails to mention the critical fact that three independent professional reports, one of which includes the Bullock Electrical Engineers’ report commissioned by Pembrokeshire Care and Repair, have condemned the works.

“Moreover the letter fails to mention – an especially important omission given the profile of the users, and PC&R’s mandated role as protectors of the elderly – the fact that all three professional reports posit in the clearest possible terms that the works, as well as being defective, are also both dangerous and illegal; and should be rectified immediately.

Another half-truth is: ‘The contractor offered to remedy the alleged defects’.

On the matter of the contractor offering to remedy the alleged defects, Mike commented: “Firstly, the ‘alleged defects’ as the letter puts it, are not ‘alleged’. They are attested to by three independent specialist reports – including the Bullock Electrical Engineering report commissioned by PC&R. “Moreover, as you of course know, the contractor’s ‘offer’ referred to, was an eventual; partial; and completely unsatisfactory concession. To wit: Paul Rogers stormed out of the initial meeting with my brother and Scott Nash on October 26, 2012 – and had to be called back by Mr Nash. Paul Rogers subsequently flatly refused in his email, dated October 31, 2012, to rectify the faults identified in the albeit comprehensively and dangerously omissive PC&R snagging list – itself only provided by Scott Nash after the chance intervention of my brother Peter Hughes”.

Mike adds: “However, in the intervening months, far from the claim being properly ‘investigated’ by the insurers – with whom we repeatedly sought, but were denied contact – PC&R were in the process of denying the legitimacy of my parents’ claim, based on provable and wilful falsehoods.

“It is a criminal offence to knowingly make a false insurance claim. Logic dictates that it must also be a criminal offence to knowingly, and falsely, deny a legitimate insurance claim – and in particular, where the wrongful denial not only causes loss; but also places the frail and elderly in danger.

“Whilst it is certain that a civil tort has been committed, I therefore intend to clarify with the police, as to whether the wrongful denial of a legitimate professional negligence claim, through deliberate falsehood, is a criminal offence”.

The letter sent on October 11 also says that the works would be monitored and inspected, but this is contrary to another letter sent on May 9 which says the work was not inspected.

The police have also been made aware of this issue.

Tina Mills, the Agency Manager said:-“Pembrokeshire Care & Repair is a local charitable, not for profit organisation which aims to provide advice, support and assistance to older or disabled persons to carry out repairs, adaptations or improvements to their homes.

“In the past year it has provided a range of services to over 1650 people.

“Customers who told us that they were very satisfied or satisfied with the services provided by Care & Repair – 98% those who would recommend Care & Repair to others –98% and who were satisfied with the standard of work carried out in their homes – 97%.

“We regret that Mr & Mrs Hughes feel that they did not receive the appropriate level of service nor satisfactory completion of the work undertaken.

“We are keen to resolve the issue; the contractor who undertook the work has offered to return to remedy an identified list of defects,

“The electrical sub-contractor who undertook the electrical work has also offered to return to remedy the identified defects.

“The contractor has offered to pay the costs of an electrical contractor of the family’s choosing to remedy the electrical defects

“The contractor has also agreed to participate in mediation, as originally requested on behalf of Mr & Mrs Hughes.

“All of these offers have been rejected.

“Cllr David Bryan, Chair of Pembrokeshire Care & Repair has also visited Mr & Mrs Hughes to discuss their complaint”.

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Health

Phone calls to reduce GP visits for 42% of patients this winter

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NEW research from the Royal Voluntary Service has shown that a simple phone call could significantly impact well-being, reducing GP visits by 42% among patients who receive regular telephone support.

The charity urges those feeling isolated this winter, particularly the elderly, to use telephone support services as a way to improve health and free up GP appointments, potentially reducing waiting times. It is estimated that if people experiencing loneliness in later life reduced their GP visits by just one appointment a year, this could free up 588,000 appointments annually.

As winter approaches, the Royal Voluntary Service reports that isolation can sharply increase, especially for adults over 75, with nearly half (47%) of people in this age group feeling lonelier in the colder months. Among those who live alone, one in six say they feel forgotten during winter, and 20% report having no one to turn to for emotional support.

In addition to loneliness, older generations face several winter worries, including increased heating costs, cited by 55% of respondents, and reduced ability to go out, which 29% said they dreaded as winter sets in.

To address these challenges, Royal Voluntary Service has launched the Stay Safe, Warm and Well campaign in partnership with Yakult. The campaign provides a guide for practical and emotional winter preparation, encouraging sign-ups for telephone support services and offering access to the Virtual Village Hall online community for events and activities. Practical advice on money-saving and energy-saving tips is also available through the guide.

Royal Voluntary Service Ambassador Elaine Paige, who has herself made support calls for the charity, described the positive impact these calls can have. “A warm, friendly phone call can transform someone’s day. Some conversations leave you smiling long after the call ends—something we could all use, especially in winter. For those facing the season alone, there are amazing people ready to remind you that you’re not alone,” she said.

The charity’s support services match volunteers with individuals across the UK for friendly chats, reducing isolation and boosting mental health. Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said: “The feedback that conversations with volunteers are helping people to visit their GP less is testament to the value of connection.”

Yakult Marketing Manager Reshma Patel added: “Our research with Royal Voluntary Service shows that one in four adults over 75 feel they’d benefit from practical and emotional support over winter. We are committed to helping people access the Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide to support their overall well-being.”

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Crime

Welsh shop workers face ‘surge in shoplifting linked violence and abuse’ says union

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A NEW survey by retail trade union Usdaw has revealed disturbing figures on the abuse, threats, and violence endured by Welsh shop workers, with incidents increasingly linked to shoplifting. Released during Respect for Shop Workers Week, which runs from November 11 to 17, the statistics highlight a troubling trend that is impacting thousands of retail employees.

Usdaw’s survey, based on responses from over 4,000 retail staff, shows that in the past year:

  • 69% experienced verbal abuse.
  • 45% were threatened by customers.
  • 17% were assaulted.

Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis commented on the findings, saying: “Shop workers deserve far more respect than they receive. These reports from Welsh retail staff make grim reading. It is shocking to see over two-thirds of our members subjected to abuse, threats, and violence. Seven in ten of these incidents are related to theft, much of it tied to addiction and organised crime.”

Usdaw’s survey suggests that shoplifting is increasingly becoming a flashpoint for violence. Many shop workers report encountering hardened criminals who appear to steal goods “to order” or to fund addictions. According to the union, incidents are on the rise across Wales, with police-reported shoplifting up by 33% in the past year.

Usdaw member testimonies paint a vivid picture of the dangers faced on the shop floor:

  • One respondent described being “spat at, pushed against a wall, punched, and threatened with a knife.”
  • Another reported that, after refusing to sell alcohol, they were told to “F**k off” and threatened with a beating by a group of five.
  • Others spoke of being punched, spat on, and verbally abused, with threats that often left lasting emotional scars.

New measures on the horizon

Usdaw has been calling for greater legal protection for retail workers for years, and it appears these calls are finally being heard. The recent Crime and Policing Bill, announced in the King’s Speech, proposes to:

  • End the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, which has been a source of frustration for retailers.
  • Introduce town centre banning orders for repeat offenders.
  • Allocate funding for tackling organised shoplifting and increase police presence in shopping areas.

“We welcome these new measures and hope they will provide much-needed protection,” said Mr. Lillis. “After 14 years of neglect under successive Tory governments, we are encouraged by the steps the new Labour government is taking to address the retail crime epidemic.”

As Christmas approaches—a time when retail crime tends to peak—Usdaw is urging the public to “respect shop workers” and remain calm as stores become busier.

Usdaw, which represents around 360,000 members, primarily in retail, launched its Freedom From Fear Campaign to tackle the growing issue of violence against shop workers. The final results of the 2024 survey are expected in March 2025.

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Charity

Milford Haven RNLI celebrates heartfelt donation from Neyland Ladies Choir

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MILFORD HAVEN RNLI Fundraising Group received a generous donation of over £1,000 from Neyland Ladies Choir this October, marking a touching tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Beckett, one of the RNLI’s longest-standing supporters.

The Neyland Ladies Choir held a special concert at St. Mary’s Church on Waterloo Road, Hakin, to celebrate Dorothy Beckett’s 90th birthday. A lifelong supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Dorothy has played a crucial role in lifeboat fundraising in the Milford Haven area, dating back to the 1970s. She was instrumental in establishing the Hakin Point RNLI fundraising group, which has raised over £500,000 to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

The concert’s proceeds were presented in a moving ceremony at Bethesda Baptist Church in Neyland. Accepting the donation on behalf of the RNLI were Steve Lewis, Chairman of the fundraising group, and Thomas Kehoe, Deputy Coxswain of the Angle Lifeboat.

Adding to the evening’s celebrations, Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager, presented Dorothy with the Long Service Medal, recognizing her fifty years of dedication to the institution. This award, given by the RNLI, honors Dorothy’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

“Thank you, Neyland Ladies Choir and Dorothy Beckett,” said the RNLI in a heartfelt message to the community. “Your support and dedication mean the world to us.”

The Milford Haven RNLI Fundraising Group encourages supporters to share and spread the word, hoping that Dorothy’s legacy inspires continued community support.

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