Health

West Wales care homes on “war footing” because of Covid crisis

Published

3 years ago

January 4, 2022

Pendine Academy of Social Care. Mario Kreft MBE at the launch in Wrexham.

CARE HOMES in West Wales are on a “war footing” because of desperate staff shortages caused by the skyrocketing Covid infection rate.

According to Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales, the sector is facing its worst ever crisis with reports that 75 percent of staff were off work in some homes, either because they had contracted Coronavirus or they 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.

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 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.”

in the same vein, Glyn Williams, director of a Holyhead care home, told ITV Wales that better PPE could be a potential solution to transmission in homes: “We could increase the PPE measures, we could increase the level of masks that we’re all wearing, from the flimsy FSMS to FFP3, perhaps that would cut down transmission.”

Care staff currently wear standard surgical masks in homes where aerosol-generating procedures are not present.

Back in September, Labour’s Health Minister, Baroness Morgan, was told by the Welsh Conservatives that her statement on PPE did not reflect healthcare worker experience.

It came after Dr David Bailey, Chairman of the British Medical Association Cymru, told the Western Mail on 15 September that one of the reasons NHS Wales is currently under such immense pressure is “inadequate personal protection equipment”.

Dr Bailey continued: “Some doubly vaccinated healthcare workers are still having to isolate due to treating vulnerable patients and not having sufficient equipment such as higher-grade respiratory masks to stop the spread of the virus.”

Commenting, Welsh Conservative and Shadow Social Services Minister Gareth Davies MS said: “If we have care bosses saying we must choose between lockdown and better PPE, then I have no doubt everyone would choose the Labour Government providing adequate equipment to hard-working care staff rather than closing down and damaging all of society and the economy once again.

“It is sadly not the first instance where the Labour Government in Cardiff Bay have been told that current PPE supplies were not enough: a survey of doctors in May 2020 found that 67% of doctors in Wales did not feel fully protected from Covid-19 in the workplace.

“Since then, only last summer, we had the British Medical Association say that one of the reasons NHS Wales has recently experienced such immense pressure is inadequate PPE, yet we gave supplies away to other countries rather than save up to look after our own.

“We are regularly told by the Labour Government that they are handling the pandemic well, but surely, nearly two years since coronavirus struck the UK, adequate PPE should not be an issue for service providers, but an integrated part of the supply chain and a matter of course.”

Health

Hywel Dda urges responsible use of ‘under pressure’ A&E service

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HYWEL DDA University Health Board is appealing to the public to carefully consider how they access healthcare services as local A&E units, including Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, face increasing pressure.

A spokesperson said: “Our services are under pressure. Please help us to help you by choosing how you access our services carefully, ensuring that emergency departments (A&E) are reserved for urgent or life-threatening care needs.”

Unwell and unsure what to do?

If you’re unwell and uncertain about the best course of action, the Health Board recommends visiting the online symptom checker or calling NHS 111 Wales for advice.

When to attend A&E

Emergency Departments should only be used for life-threatening illnesses or serious injuries, such as:

Severe breathing difficulties
Severe pain or bleeding
Chest pain or suspected stroke
Serious trauma injuries (e.g., from a car crash)

Minor Injuries Units (MIUs)

For less serious injuries, MIUs offer treatment for:

Minor wounds, burns, or scalds
Insect bites
Minor limb, head, or face injuries
Foreign bodies in the nose or ear

MIUs are available at Cardigan Integrated Care Centre, Tenby Hospital, and main acute hospitals. Visit the Minor Injuries Unit page for opening hours and directions.

Urgent care, not an emergency

For urgent health needs that cannot wait but are not emergencies, call NHS 111 Wales for advice or access to out-of-hours GP services. This free service is available 24/7.

Mental health support

If you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 Wales and select option 2 to speak with a mental health professional. The number is free to call, even from a mobile with no credit.

Community care options

Community pharmacies offer walk-in services for common ailments such as sore throats, hay fever, and conjunctivitis. A full list of ailments and participating pharmacies can be found on the Common Ailments Service pages.

Helping reduce hospital stays

The Health Board emphasizes the importance of reducing hospital stays to ensure acute care is available for those who need it most. If a loved one is ready to be discharged, families are urged to collect them promptly to free up beds for other patients.

For more information on the inpatient experience, visit the Inpatient Information pages.

A thank you from the NHS

The Health Board expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation: “Your support not only helps you and your loved ones but also eases the strain on NHS and social care services.”

For further updates, contact:
Hywel Dda University Health Board Media Office
Email: [email protected]

Health

More than 300 healthcare workers from Kerala take up NHS jobs in Wales

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AN EMPLOYMENT agreement has exceeded its target for recruiting healthcare workers from India.

The Welsh Government outlined a commitment to recruit 250 qualified healthcare workers from India as part of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kerala Government earlier this year.

The recruitment drive has outperformed that goal, with just over 300 healthcare workers taking up positions across all of Wales’ health boards and the Velindre University NHS Trust. Further recruitment is due to take place next year.

The commitment was made as part of Wales in India, a year-long series of events to improve economic, educational, artistic and sporting ties between the two nations.

Sharoon Kolickatharayil Nowshad, 24, had long held ambitions to move to Wales and work as a nurse, inspired by his uncle Siji Salimkutty who began working in the Welsh NHS in 2004.

Since arriving in Wales and beginning his job with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Sharoon said he has reunited with his family and appreciated the kindness shown by his new colleagues.

“I was really excited to work in the NHS” Sharoon said. “It’s always been my ambition to contribute to society, and now I get to do that here in Wales.

“Everything moved quickly once I saw the opportunity to apply, and I’m proud to work for the NHS. I tell my family and friends that it feels great to help people when they need it the most.

“When you work for the NHS, it’s not just a job or salary. It’s a great life. You feel proud knowing you’ve supported and helped others.

“The NHS has given us a great opportunity and we should always work sincerely because we love our jobs. There are lots of opportunities to advance your career, your colleagues always support you and there’s a great support network.”

Sharoon said he hopes to continue his career in the Welsh NHS by progressing to become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

He added: “People in Wales are so kind, they always make time for us, whether that’s at work or at home.

“I would encourage anyone thinking of coming to Wales not to hesitate and to apply, it’s the best decision I’ve made.”

Dr Devangana Bora has taken up a position as a Senior Clinical Fellow in Oncology at Velindre NHS Trust. Born in Guwahati, a large city in the Northeast Indian state of Assam, Dr Bora has worked as an Oncologist since 2019.

“I was really nervous for the interview. When I got there they told me it was in three stages and I became more nervous,” Dr Bora said.

“After the interview, I was offered the job and I was so happy. I thought they were joking. I was so excited to take this next step in my career and move to Wales.

“The weather is cold here but the people are so warm. I have received nothing but support from my colleagues and generally the people in Wales are so friendly and helpful.”

Dr Bora said her sister is currently studying Medicine at university and has been inspired to move to Wales once she completes her studies.

Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said: “Alongside continued investment in training healthcare staff in Wales, international recruitment has always been one of the ways we can help address NHS workforce vacancies.

“India and Kerala in particular has a fantastic record in training doctors and nurses. We are grateful for the commitment to delivering high-quality care our new NHS recruits have shown.

“The contribution of these healthcare workers is already being felt across our NHS and it’s wonderful to see them settling into happy lives in Wales.”

Wales in India was launched on St David’s Day, March 1, by the then First Minister Mark Drakeford and Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan, beginning a year of events and cultural engagements to strengthen links between the two nations.

One of the biggest impacts on policymaking in India drew inspiration from Wales’ innovative Well-being of Future Generations Act. Through partnership working, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly introduced its own draft law called the Maharashtra Future Generations Welfare Bill in July.

Welsh Government, the British Council and Wales Arts International also made commitments to further cultural collaborations between Wales and India by investing in arts projects through a dedicated culture fund. With the support of these organisations, as well as the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, Wales was recently a partner country for Hornbill, one of India’s largest music festivals, which saw Mari Mathias and Gareth Bonello perform on the main stage with Indian musicians Seyievinuo Chuzho and Benedict Hynniewta.

In February 2025, 10 young women, chosen from 140 applicants, will travel to Kolkata to complete humanitarian work as part of a joint project with Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Her Future Coalition. The volunteers will provide support to vulnerable girls including survivors of trafficking and other forms of gender-based violence. Sport and art workshops for children will also be run by the group.

Health

Hoax calls reach three-year high, says Welsh Ambulance Service

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICE has seen a staggering 37% rise in hoax calls over the past three years, wasting valuable time and resources, a new investigation reveals.

Data from Medical Negligence Assist highlights that over 700 hours—equivalent to nearly 29 full days—of ambulance crew time has been lost responding to malicious calls since 2021.

During this period, WAS crews attended 463 face-to-face incidents later identified as deliberate hoaxes, severely straining emergency services already under pressure.

Rise in hoax calls over three years

2021/22: 334 hoax calls; 84 face-to-face responses.
2022/23: 373 hoax calls; 85 face-to-face responses.
2023/24: 457 hoax calls; 163 face-to-face responses.

The upward trend continues, with provisional figures for 2024/25 (April 1 to October 31) already recording 345 hoax calls and 131 face-to-face responses.

Strain across Wales

The geographic impact is widespread, with hoax calls reported in all areas of Wales. WAS officials warn that such incidents divert resources from genuine emergencies, potentially putting lives at risk.

A call to action

The 701 hours spent on hoax calls between 2021 and 2024 represent a critical drain on ambulance availability. A WAS spokesperson said: “Every minute wasted on a hoax call is a minute lost to someone in real need. These actions have serious, life-threatening consequences.”

“The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging the public to recognize the harm caused by hoax calls and act responsibly.

“For information or to report suspicious activity, contact the Welsh Ambulance Service through their official channels.”