MIKE HEDGES MS WELCOMES NEWS EARWAX PATHEWAY ANNOUNCED BY WELSH GOVERNMENT

MIKE HEDGES MS WELCOMES NEWS EARWAX PATHEWAY ANNOUNCED BY WELSH GOVERNMENT

 

Mike Hedges said… ‘one of the most common problems people come to me about when it concerns the Health Service is problems relating to wax in the ear and the fact that a lot of surgeries no longer offer this service. I am therefore delighted that the Welsh Government has now announced a new pathway which will provice clarity and direction as to how this service will be provided.

 

The new Pathway will ensure that ear wax patients will get treatment options in community settings which will be standadised across Wales and which will be monitored.

 

This new Ear Wax Pathway will have a real impact on patients who present with this debilitating problem.

 

TITLE	Ear wax management Primary and Community Care Pathway
DATE	29 September 2020
BY	Vaughan Gething, Minister of Health and Social Services

 

 

This week marks a very significant moment following two years of collaborative work between colleagues in NHS Wales, third sector and Welsh Government with the announcement of a new pathway for ear wax management.

 

Ear wax (cerumen) is a common and significant health complaint, specifically significant for people with pre-existing hearing loss as it compounds their communication difficulties.  Unresolved and troublesome ear wax is a relatively easy health condition to address through removal by trained professionals.

 

Scoping studies found as part of the development of the Advanced Practice Audiology in primary care service indicate 3% of the population present with ear wax each year. This equates to approximately 96,000 patient appointments in primary care across Wales each year.

 

A Task and Finish Group was established in 2018 to ensure all citizens across Wales can access the most appropriate treatment and support for ear wax problems, in line and underpinned by the principles of prudent healthcare.

 

The group set out to develop a national integrated pathway which would provide consistent patient outcomes across Wales and ensuring equitable access, efficient and prudent use of NHS resources. The pathway also had to provide seamless management across primary and community care and secondary care settings whilst complying with current NICE guidance and audiology quality standards.

These objectives were finally met and agreed in 2019.

 

The Task and Finish Group findings showed that patients need and appreciate direct and clear language in the advice they receive on management (including self-management) of medical conditions. Information leaflets and promotional material are being developed to support people to make the right choices related to earwax self -management and direct them to access the correct services is important.

 

Today I am endorsing the all the recommendations by the task and finish group which are explicitly laid out in a Welsh Health Circular but include:

 

·         Ear wax management to be delivered in a primary and community care setting, in line with the nationally agreed service specification, standard operating procedures and training standards, led by Advanced Audiology Practitioners and delivered by trained healthcare professionals.

·         A national wax management training programme to be commissioned; to include microsuction and/or manual removal using a probe.

·         The new wax management pathway will complement roll out of ‘first point of contact’ access to audiology services in primary and community care, for patients presenting with hearing problems, tinnitus, and specific balance problems.

·         Health boards will now implement, monitor and review the new pathway and service models in their respective cluster areas.

 

These recommendations are based on systematic reviews of best available evidence and explicit consideration of cost effectiveness and current NICE guidance.

 

I would like to thank all those who have been part of the successful development of this pathway and in particular the third sector organisations and NHS colleagues who have made this all possible.

 

Their contribution to meeting the challenging outcomes set out in “A Healthier Wales”, the “Hearing Framework of Action” and the “Primary Care Model” have been invaluable and this pathway will make a significant difference. 

 

 

MIKE HEDGES WELCOMES WELSH GOVERNMENT MAKING SUPPORT AVIALABLE FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS EVEN IF CHILDREN UNABLE TO ATTEND SCHOOL BECAUSE OF SELF ISOLATING

MIKE HEDGES WELCOMES WELSH GOVERNMENT MAKING SUPPORT AVIALABLE FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS EVEN IF CHILDREN UNABLE TO ATTEND SCHOOL BECAUSE OF SELF ISOLATING

 

Speaking from his Swansea East Office, Local MS Mike Hedges said.. ‘ as I said in my question, I have long believed that children on free school meals should be supported during the holiday periods because they still have to eat and their parents do not get extra income to feed children during the school holidays.

 

I welcome the news that the Welsh Government is supporting children to access Free school meals if they have to self isolate as a result of the virus.

 

Ensuring children have good quality meals through the day is such an important part of maintaining good health and being able to concentrate on school work; I welcome the initiatives of the Welsh Labour Government to ensure that children can still access their free school meals.’

 

 

 

 

Mike Hedges MS - Can I ask for two oral Government statements—the first one on the provision of free school meals? We've had a number of written statements on the provision, of expanding it, and I'm very pleased with those, but could we have a full statement on exactly where we are? It's well known that my view is that free school meals should go through every holiday and, when children are not in school, they should still get free school meals, because they still have to eat when they're not in school. So, could we have a statement on that

 

 

Rebecca Evans MS - On the first issue, I know Mike Hedges absolutely recognises the vital role that free school meals play in terms of ensuring that children get that healthy meal and don't go hungry during unprecedented times, and particularly so over the course of the summer holidays. Since then, we've made available a further £1.28 million to help local authorities meet the additional costs of free school meals during the first two weeks of the autumn term, when some of the schools are adapting and having that more flexible approach to learning. Again, since then we've agreed funding of at least £420,000 so that those who are in receipt of free school meals will also continue to receive that provision if they aren't able to attend school for any reason, such as having to self-isolate and so on. So, we're trying to make sure that we think of all the different scenarios that children might be affected by. 

Mike Hedges backs Call to ‘Protect the NHS’ as Wales heads into winter.

Mike Hedges backs Call to ‘Protect the NHS’ as Wales heads into winter.

 

Speaking from his Morriston Office, local Swansea East MS Mike Hedges said…. ‘ We know that winter will see an increase in the number of people who will need medical attention and will think about going to A & E; this year we have to be extra careful not to over burden the emergency health services. If people need urgent medical attention, please go to A&E; if you can get assistance from another branch of the health service please do so. Please do not go to A&E if you have something like toothache – lets all pull together to make life easier for the NHS Emergency staff.’

Wales’ Health Minister is urging the public to help ‘Protect the NHS’ and keep services clear for those who need them most.

Across Wales, health boards and the Welsh Ambulance Service are seeing a return of pre-lockdown behaviour and demand for services.

In anticipation of what will be a uniquely challenging winter with the added effects of COVID-19, people are being asked to help protect vital services for those in most need by accessing alternative services rather than their Emergency Department when their complaint is neither life-threatening nor serious.

Welsh health boards are reporting that around 20 to 30% of patients who present at Emergency Departments could be better treated elsewhere or in a different way.

As part of the Protect the NHS drive, people are being advised to order prescriptions 7 days before they’re due; use their local NHS pharmacy and GP service for minor illnesses or injuries, visit the 111 / NHS Direct Wales website or phone them for free health advice through online symptom checkers for minor ailments.

People should still attend hospitals when asked to do so to continue or review their treatment. Hospitals have taken a range of appropriate measures to keep people safe, including treating people with COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19 in separate areas to those who do not have the virus to prevent the risk of it spreading.

People are also reminded that if they have COVID symptoms not go to their pharmacy, GP or local Emergency Department, but instead book a test through 119 and call 111 if symptoms persist or they can no longer cope at home.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said:

“It is imperative our Emergency Departments and emergency ambulances are kept for those who are in a life-threatening or serious condition. Even more so now our EDs have reduced space to ensure social distancing, not just for patients but for staff also.

“If someone has a health complaint that is worrying them and won’t go away, they can contact their pharmacy, opticians, contact the 111 website or phone service, local surgery or health centre to be assessed. Please save our Emergency Departments for those with serious complaints such as severe bleeding and burns, strokes or loss of consciousness.

“During the pandemic the people of Wales were exceptional at protecting these vital services by accessing 111 or NHS Direct Wales and we need to move back to this way of thinking.

“To say coronavirus has not gone away is an understatement. We all need to remember that our NHS staff and services are still under huge pressure. That’s why it is even more important this year than ever that we can all do our bit by helping us to help you to access the right service, at the right time, to protect the NHS.”

Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service Jason Killens said:

“With winter fast approaching and an apparent second wave of COVID-19 underway, it’s more important than ever that people make sensible decisions when accessing the NHS. As an ambulance service, we’ve seen a rapid return to pre-lockdown demand levels over the last couple of weeks, so we need the public to do their bit to reduce pressure on the emergency services. Our ambulance service exists to help people who are seriously ill or injured or whose life is in imminent danger.

“We need to reserve our precious resources for them, which one day might be you, your child, your parent, your spouse or your friend. If it’s not urgent or life-threatening, there are many, many alternatives to 999 that you can access. By doing this, you’re protecting yourselves, others and the NHS.”

Welsh residents are also urged to continue to keep Wales safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19 by:

• Always keeping a distance
• Washing hands regularly
• Working from home wherever possible
• Following local restrictions
• Following the rules about meeting people
• Staying at home if you or anyone in your extended household has symptoms

 

Mike Hedges urges people to follow local coronavirus restrictions introduced to control outbreaks in South Wales

Mike Hedges urges people to follow local coronavirus restrictions introduced to control outbreaks in South Wales

 

Speaking from his Morriston Office, Local MS Mike Hedges said… ‘We are all disappointed to have restrictions placed on our ability to meet up with family and friends but sacrifices today will help keep the virus in check and hopefully prevent a return to the full lock down we experienced earlier in the year.

Please follow the new restrictions and help defeat the virus’.

 

Coronavirus laws are being tightened across South Wales this weekend, including in the capital city, in response to a growing spread of cases, Health Minister Vaughan Gething has confirmed.

Local restrictions will come into force in Swansea and Cardiff from 6pm on Sunday.

Ministers will also meet public health experts, local authority leaders and others over the weekend to consider whether local restrictions need to be extended to Neath Port Talbot, the Vale of Glamorgan and Torfaen on Sunday evening.

The restrictions, which will apply to everyone living in Llanelli, Cardiff and Swansea are:

• People will not be allowed to enter or leave these areas without a reasonable excuse, such as travel for work or education;
• People will only be able to meet people they don’t live with outdoors for the time being. They will not be able to form, or be in, extended households (sometimes known as ‘bubbles’). This means meeting indoors (in people’s houses, in a pub or elsewhere) with anyone you don’t live with is not allowed at the moment unless you have a good reason, such as providing care to a vulnerable person.
• All licensed premises have to stop serving alcohol at 10pm.
• Everyone over 11 will be required to wear face coverings in indoor places, which are open to the public, such as shops, as well as on public transport – as is the case in the rest of Wales. (There are some limited exemptions for people with disabilities and medical conditions – these are the same as for public transport).

Health Minister Vaughan Gething, said:

“Over the last few weeks we’ve taken action to put local coronavirus restrictions in place in parts of South Wales. Following a worrying rise in cases of coronavirus in the town of Llanelli and in our two largest cities, including the capital – Cardiff and Swansea – we are taking further action by introducing additional measures in these areas.

“Introducing restrictions in any parts of Wales is always an incredibly difficult decision for us to make – having to introduce these restrictions in our biggest cities, including our capital, is another sombre milestone in a difficult year.

“We’re acting to protect people’s health and to try and break the chain of transmission and stop the situation from getting worse.

“We need everyone’s help to bring coronavirus under control. We need everyone to pull together and to follow the measures which are there to protect you and your loved ones.”

In Carmarthenshire, action is being taken on a more localised basis because more than eight out of 10 cases are focused on the town of Llanelli. The town’s ward boundaries will be used to define the limits of the restrictions.

A postcode checker will be available on the Welsh Government’s website together with full details about the restrictions.

Local restrictions are already in place in six other areas of South Wales – Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly borough, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Newport.

The new local restrictions measures will be kept under regular review. They will be enforced by local authorities and by the police.

The Welsh Government is continuing to keep a close watch on the situation in North Wales where the picture is mixed – cases overall are much lower than in South Wales, but there is evidence coronavirus is increasing in some parts of the region.

Keep Wales safe by:

• Always keeping your distance
• Washing your hands regularly
• Working from home wherever you can
• Following any local restrictions
• Following the rules about meeting people
• Staying at home if you or anyone in your extended household has symptoms.

ENDS