Issue - meetings

To consider the report.

a)    To accept the report and to request the Corporate Director to consider distributing the information to the public if possible.

The report was submitted by noting that the item had arisen following a question asked by the former chair some time ago, which was what people should do if individuals fell in their communities. It was not possible to respond to the question quickly, but after some discussions with the Welsh Ambulance Trust and co-workers in the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, it was highlighted that there was no national or regional protocol for this matter. It was explained that the "I Stumble" protocol was used by the trust, the Health Board and some other local authorities, but that this protocol looked at how to help individuals if they fall and how to deal with them after they fall. It was highlighted that the protocol did not deal with the question which is how to respond if individuals fell and an ambulance was not available for 8-10 hours, and what advice could be given to a carer.

It was expressed that work had been made to translate and add to the "I Stumble" system, and specifically to the "Very Long Waiting Time?" part. It was emphasised that the observations were superficial, but it was not possible to go into much detail as it was a very difficult situation as every case was different. It was explained that the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board Therapists Regional Director was happy to put a Health Board badge on it. It was added that a consultation on the document would be held to see whether there was a better way of sharing the information. Following this, it was noted that training would be held for internal carers and external providers.

In addition to this, it was noted that officers within the Welsh Ambulance Trust were very eager to start a pilot in Gwynedd to see whether it was possible to locate equipment to lift individuals that have fallen in suitable locations within the communities, and to train local volunteers on how to use them. It was noted that they were expecting a specific plan in terms of locations etc., and despite it being different to the protocol, it was explained that it had developed as a result of the discussions that had risen.

During the discussion, the following observations were noted:-

-       Gratitude was expressed for the report, and congratulations was given on creating a clear report, considering that a protocol was not in place before this. It was highlighted that the 'Very Long Waiting Time?' element might need to be in another colour to draw attention to it.

-       It was enquired whether there was a timetable to hold training on the protocol jointly with the Health Board, or whether there was a timetable for the pilot scheme.

o   It was noted in terms of the training, that there was no definite timetable but that there was no reason to delay and it was hoped that it would be possible to hold it during the spring, ready for the summer and autumn.

o   He noted,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7