Health - Community Update
Blaenavon Health Care Unit
The Blaenavon Health Care Unit needed to close for a few weeks in November 2009 due to concerns in having adequate staff cover for clinical safety. This was raised with the Community Health Council and a briefing update went out to stakeholders at the time to explain the position. The unit resumed taking admissions later that month once staffing was stabilized.
The Aneurin Bevan Health Board came into being on 1st October 2009, taking over the functions of the former Gwent Healthcare NHS and the five local Health Boards covering Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouth, Newport and Torfaen – but redevelopment of health services in North Torfaen remains a high priority for the new organization, picking up from its predecessors.
Most recently, a series of public information meetings have been held in Blaenavon in October 2010, as plans for closure of the six beds are being finalised. Full staff engagement is looking at redeployment options and the beds are set to be closed by the end of November 2010.
Clinics, pharmacy, dentistry and all current community services will continue to be provided at the Health Care Unit until the Primary Care Resource Centre is built.
Arthur Jenkins Care Home
The Planning Application for a new wing at the Arthur Jenkins care home has been successful, but the current economic climate means that building is unlikely for the next year or so.
The NHS is therefore looking at scope to directly commission a few of the existing beds at the home, looking to work collaboratively with Social Care, and providing additional support as needed.
Care and Social Standards Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) has endorsed proposals to use some beds at Arthur Jenkins for short stay intermediate care, with additional support coming in as required to support specific patient needs.
For further information, contact: David Williams on 0793 9003131
North Torfaen Consultation Feedback
Over the last two years, there have been regular update briefing notes every six months or so – and Aneurin Bevan Health Board is committed to working with Torfaen County Borough Council to ensure regular communication.
A copy of the 2008/09 consultation feedback| is available to download here.
A copy of the presentation| given at a public information day on 1st October 2010 is available to download here.