logo
Letter: Powys Health Board refuses to listen to the public

Letter: Powys Health Board refuses to listen to the public

We are rapidly running out of time to restore Llanidloes Hospital to its core role of providing medical care for the local community.
Last autumn, Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) implemented what they described as a temporary (six-month) policy of removing medical services at the site in order to address serious problems of bed-blocking in Welsh hospitals, by using the hospital as a de facto care home.
This was done despite almost universal opposition to the plans from all sections of the community.
Only Fools and Horses star nearly turned down this iconic role - here's why
M&S releases 'absolutely divine' version of viral Dubai-style chocolate bar
Builth Wells youngster Deri Mason shines for top Welsh rugby invitational side
All political parties, current and previous health staff including GPs, and many others spoke passionately and knowledgeably about why this 'temporary' repurposing was unwanted and inappropriate.
PTHB essentially refused to listen.
The Welsh Government replaced Community Health Councils with the current body, Llais.
Llais is supposed to have its finger on the pulse of the community relating to health and care matters, and ensure that PTHB is appropriately responsive to local needs and wishes.
Unfortunately, there was no evidence during last year's 'consultations' that Llais had sought or heard any representation from the local community.
And now, when they should be consulting with the public in south Montgomeryshire to ensure that their voice is given due weight, there is more silence.
If you live within the catchment affected by the presence (or absence) of the hospital in Llanidloes, and have a view on the matter, please contact governance@llaiscymru.org and/or pthb.policy.management@wales.nhs.uk as soon as possible.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Teacher killed himself after taking unlicensed hair-loss drug in Dubai
Teacher killed himself after taking unlicensed hair-loss drug in Dubai

Telegraph

time7 hours ago

  • Telegraph

Teacher killed himself after taking unlicensed hair-loss drug in Dubai

A teacher obsessed with not going bald killed himself after switching to a potent anti-hair-loss drug, an inquest heard. Sam Applegarth, 31, who had no history of mental health problems, hanged himself in Dubai after starting an 'online' prescription course of dutasteride, a drug not licensed for hair loss in the UK. The PE teacher, who had first sought help for his hair loss aged 22, had used British National Formulary drugs minoxidil and finasteride for years without any side-effects. It emerged during the hearing that there were no known 'suicidal ideation' side-effects from taking dutasteride – a drug primarily used to treat an enlarged prostate – because there had been a failure to report such feelings in men taking the drug. Mr Applegarth was raised in Outwood, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and after working for the Rugby Football League took up teaching science and PE at Minsthorpe High School. He had been concerned over his hair loss since 2015 and visited Dr Bessam Farjo at a trichology clinic in Manchester. Underwent hair transplant Dr Farjo told the hearing at Wakefield coroner's court that although Mr Applegarth visited for consultations and advice he was never prescribed any drugs. The doctor told coroner Oliver Longstaff he was aware that Mr Applegarth had started taking minoxidil, which is on sale over the counter at pharmacies, and later took doses of finasteride, and had been happy with their effects. He then underwent a successful hair transplant at the Farjo Hair Institute in Manchester. The teacher had his head tattooed to give the appearance of hair and also had platelet-rich plasma treatment. 'He was happy with the overall appearance after the tattoo,' Dr Farjo told the inquest. The teacher last saw Dr Farjo in July 2024, two months before he flew to Dubai, and he was still taking the tablets and was also using camouflage products to conceal his hair loss. 'Exaggerated view' Mr Applegarth was advised by the doctor to undergo cognitive therapy to alleviate his anxiety about going bald. 'He was a young man with an exaggerated view about how big an issue his hair loss was,' added the doctor. 'I had no concerns he was having any side-effects from the drugs.' Dr Farjo said 'suicidal ideation' is one recognised side-effect of taking finasteride but if a patient had not experienced those thoughts while on the drug they would not suffer those after the drug was out of their system. Dr Farjo added he was unaware the teacher had begun taking dutasteride, which he described as 'more powerful' than finasteride. Mr Applegarth had no history of mental illness or self-harm and was a 'bright and happy individual', according to the doctor and the PE teacher's family. But he was found hanging in his apartment by a work colleague on Sept 19 2024 – just five weeks after arriving in Dubai. He left no suicide note and a post-mortem found no alcohol or drugs in his system. Mr Longstaff registered a finding of 'suicide'.

PE teacher, 31, who was obsessed with not going bald took his own life after switching to an unlicensed drug in Dubai to treat his hair loss, inquest hears
PE teacher, 31, who was obsessed with not going bald took his own life after switching to an unlicensed drug in Dubai to treat his hair loss, inquest hears

Daily Mail​

time9 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

PE teacher, 31, who was obsessed with not going bald took his own life after switching to an unlicensed drug in Dubai to treat his hair loss, inquest hears

A teacher obsessed with not going bald took his own life after switching to a powerful unlicensed drug to treat his hair loss, an inquest heard today. Sam Applegarth, 31, who had no history of mental health problems, hanged himself in Dubai after starting an online course of dutasteride - a drug not licensed for hair loss in the UK. The PE teacher, who had first sought help for his hair loss aged 22, had used minoxidil and finasteride for years without any side-effects. The inquest heard that there are no known 'suicidal ideation' side-effects from taking dutasteride - a drug primarily used to treat an enlarged prostate - because there has been a failure to report such feelings in men taking the drug. Today Mr Applegarth's heartbroken girlfriend Anya Guy, 30, urged anybody having suicidal thoughts after taking dutasteride to inform medical experts in the hope of preventing similar tragedies. Mr Applegarth was brought up in Outwood, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and after working for the Rugby Football League took up teaching science and PE at Minsthorpe High School. After his death one parent praised him as an 'absolute diamond and role model'. Wakefield Coroner's Court heard that since 2015 he had been concerned about losing his hair and visited top specialist Dr Bessam Farjo at his trichology clinic in Manchester. Dr Farjo told the hearing that Mr Applegarth visited for consultations and advice, but was never prescribed any drugs. Sam Applegarth's heartbroken girlfriend Anya Guy, 30, pictured outside his inquest in Wakefield today, urged anybody having suicidal thoughts after taking dutasteride to inform medical experts He was aware that Mr Applegarth had started taking minoxidil, which is easily available over the counter at pharmacies such as Boots. The teacher later complemented it with doses of finasteride, which has been linked to terrifying side-effects including erectile dysfunction, depression and anxiety. Dr Farjo told coroner Oliver Longstaff that Mr Applegarth had 'self-sourced' those drugs and both had been happy with their effects. In 2017 Mr Applegarth underwent a successful hair transplant at the clinic. In follow-up consultations Mr Applegarth informed the doctor that he had also undergone platelet-rich plasma treatment, where a concentrated portion of his own blood was injected in a bid to rejuvenate his hair. He had also had his head tattooed to give the appearance of hair, in a process called scalp micro pigmentation. 'He was happy with the overall appearance after the tattoo,' Dr Farjo told the inquest. Mr Applegarth last saw Dr Farjo in July 2024, two months before he flew to Dubai. Leading hair loss expert Dr Bessam Farjo, who saw Sam Applegarth at his clinic in Manchester but did not prescribe him medication, told today's inquest in Wakefield there may be an under-reporting of suicidal ideation by patients following a course of dutasteride He reported still taking minoxidil and finasteride tablets, which he had sourced himself. He was also using camouflage products to conceal his hair loss and the doctor suggested cognitive therapy to alleviate his anxiety about going bald. 'He was a young man with an exaggerated view about how big an issue his hair loss was,' said the doctor. 'I had no concerns he was having any side-effects from the drugs.' He stated that 'suicidal ideation' is one recognised side effect of taking finasteride. But if a patient had not experienced those thoughts whilst on the drug they would not suffer them after the drug is out of their system. Dr Farjo said he was unaware that Mr Applegarth had begun taking dutasteride, which he described as 'more powerful' than finasteride. He said the known side-effects of both drugs are the same, apart from the fact finasteride has been reported by the British National Formulary to cause suicidal ideation. Dr Farjo acknowledged, under questioning from Ms Guy, there may be an under-reporting of suicidal ideation by patients following a course of dutasteride. 'Dutasteride is not licensed for hair loss in this country and it is not commonly prescribed,' he said. 'The reason the BNF suicide ideation is not mentioned for dutasteride is because it has not been reported, whereas it has been reported for finasteride.' Dr Farjo said that it would have been easy for Mr Applegarth to access a course of dutasteride himself. 'Unfortunately, it is not difficult to get medication online,' he said. He said numerous private medical supply companies are 'sprouting up' to prescribe drugs to patients, without seeing them in person. Ms Guy told the inquest that Mr Applegarth had moved to Dubai to teach in August last year, with a view to her joining him at a later date. She said he had 'struggled at times with his self-esteem' due to his perceived hair loss, but she felt his condition was not a bad as he believed. His GP and family told the inquest Mr Applegarth had no history of mental illness or self harm and was a 'bright and happy individual'. He appeared to be thriving in Dubai, enjoying swims, the gym and getting in more than 20,000 steps a day, the inquest heard. However, he was found hanging in his apartment by a work colleague on September 19 - just five weeks after arriving in Dubai. He left no suicide note and a post-mortem found no alcohol or drugs in his system. Following Mr Longstaff's conclusion of suicide, Ms Guy said outside court that she hoped people who may be suffering suicidal thoughts whilst taking dutasteride would come forward. She said: 'People feeling by side-effects with dutasteride should report them, especially if they are feeling suicidal. 'People need to be aware that they may be having suicidal ideation because of the drug.' Last month the European drugs regulator said it was not possible to establish a link between suicidal ideation and dutasteride tablets based on the reviewed data. The European Medicines Agency confirmed suicidal thoughts as a side effect of anti-hair-loss drug finasteride but said the benefits of both medicines continue to outweigh their risks for all approved uses. Following Mr Applegarth's tragic death, Craig Shepherd, who recruited him to work at Wakefield Trinity Rugby League Club, said: 'It was inevitable Sam went on to be a massive success in teaching. 'He was so loved by all who knew him. RIP Sam.' Anita Godfrey responded by posting: 'An absolute diamond and role model he really engaged my three in rugby league and would go above and beyond.' For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit

The Role of the Welsh Active Offer in Person-Centred Care
The Role of the Welsh Active Offer in Person-Centred Care

Business News Wales

time12 hours ago

  • Business News Wales

The Role of the Welsh Active Offer in Person-Centred Care

The care home industry is designed to support those in need with the care they require to improve their quality of life, and this can cover a whole spectrum of circumstances. While taking care of residents' health and medical needs is of course a priority, those working in the industry should also take the time to recognise and nurture the person behind the diagnosis or disability. Quality of life is about more than standard measures of physical ability or comfort, and encompasses recognition of individual needs, personality traits and backgrounds. This person-centred approach puts individuals at the heart of planning and monitoring their care and development, thus ensuring the service is tailored to their unique needs and achieves the best possible outcomes. Working collaboratively with residents and their families means care providers can really get to know those they are caring for and gain a deeper understanding of what's important to them, their culture, lifestyle and values, and can therefore provide a more empathetic, tailored and overall, a better-quality of support. Effective communication is critical is building these relationships, and in the case of Welsh care homes, striving to deliver on the Active Offer can go a long way in building a sense of trust and belonging. That said, what is the Welsh Active Offer and what role can it play in a care home environment? What is the Welsh Active Offer? As part of the Welsh government's 'More than just words' strategic framework for promoting the Welsh language in health and social care, the Active Offer is a key element of the Welsh Language Standards that is designed to make the Welsh language as visible and heard as the English language. The Welsh Active Offer means care services are provided in Welsh without a resident having to ask for this specifically, meaning the language is incorporated into the home's operations and no assumptions are made about Welsh speakers' ability, or desire, to speak English. This is rooted in the belief that if a care home resident is a Welsh speaker, being able to use their own language should be a core component of their care, and not an afterthought. This is even more important if an individual becomes unwell, as they more often rely more strongly on their (first) language of choice. Recent reports show that the percentage of people able to speak Welsh is the lowest recorded in more than eight years, sitting at around 27.7 per cent, but this does not mean that the importance of communicating with people in their first language becomes any less important. The Welsh Active Offer is hugely important if we are to deliver the care residents in Wales want, deserve and should rightly expect. We need a culture change to incorporate this initiative and take the responsibility away from patients having to request this service as an 'add on'. Providing support and comfort It can be easy to overlook the power of language, particularly in busy, stressful environments such as care homes. But studies have shown that communicating in a patient's mother tongue can significantly improve the quality of care in a healthcare setting and reduce any miscommunication or related suffering. The Welsh Active offer and person-centred care are designed to create the right environment to empower residents to feel in control, but if there is any form of communication breakdown, this can be difficult to achieve. Residents may need to discuss sensitive topics with their care providers, and this is much easier to do in a language they are confident in and comfortable with. Having Welsh speaking staff on hand can put residents at ease in challenging situations, giving them the confidence needed to express themselves. Anticipating the needs of Welsh speakers, instead of waiting for them to ask for a Welsh service, can also build a sense of trust in the care they are receiving. Keeping culture alive Moving into a care home can often be a culture shock, particularly for elderly people who have been used to a lifetime of independence in their own home. Adjusting to new surroundings, routines and people can be difficult and disorientating, and many residents benefit from familiar touches that help to anchor and settle them into a new environment. Considering a resident's culture and background is key here, and providing access to activities that promote Welsh language and culture puts them at the heart of the service. For instance, providing books in the Welsh language, singing or listening to Welsh songs or offering opportunities to celebrate key sporting events and national days can help residents keep that crucial bond with their culture, going beyond basic care provisions. This may seem like a simple step, but providing this access can go a long way to helping care home residents feel a sense of belonging and in nurturing their individual personalities. Reducing isolation Loneliness and isolation is sadly on the rise amongst people of all ages, and according to the National Survey for Wales, around 91,000 of older people in Wales feel 'consistently' lonely. Living in a care home can unfortunately be an isolating experience for some residents who move away from the family and friends they are used to spending their time with, and who may find it difficult to forge new bonds with fellow residents. Being unable to communicate in their preferred language will inevitably make this feeling of isolation more prominent, and it's up to care providers to make sure all residents feel included and valued. Even if all staff aren't fluent in Welsh, learning a few words and phrases can bring joy and provide comfort to those Welsh speakers who may feel lonely. It's also important to ensure that all signage and information throughout the home is provided in Welsh to set residents up for the best possible outcomes. Failing to do so not only runs the risk of further isolating residents, but could potentially be dangerous. Putting people at the heart of the care service is all about recognising them for the person they are, and language is a huge part of this. Final thoughts Delivering truly person-centred care in Welsh care homes may require some adjustments, but the benefits are clear. Incorporating the Welsh Active Offer not only allows care providers to learn more about their residents and provide a better service, but also empowers residents to take control of their care and quality of life. Language barriers can lead to isolation, a loss of culture, and damage to confidence. By taking the time and initiative to accommodate Welsh speakers, better outcomes can be achieved for all. Providing high-quality care is about more than taking care of residents' physical and emotional needs, and by respecting and supporting their unique personalities, cultures and backgrounds, we can work together to create the service they deserve.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store