In his regular blog for Caerphilly Observer South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle gives his take on recent news.
Scams
I want to alert Caerphilly residents – particularly older members of the community – about the need to be on their guard against conmen.
A 92-year-old friend of mine in Caerphilly was ripped off by rogue traders to the tune of £5,000 over roof work.
The matter has been reported to Gwent Police but I feel so angry that there are some disgusting individuals out there who think nothing of ripping off vulnerable people.
I have known the friend for more than 40 years, first meeting him when I worked at Dialoy in Caerphilly. His family are naturally devastated at what has happened.
Please don’t enter into any agreements or part with money for work from doorstep salespeople. The work may not even be necessary and even if it is needed, the true cost is likely to be much less than is quoted.
Blood Clots
I’m pleased to be able to support a Wales-wide campaign to help prevent patients dying from blood clots while in hospital or after leaving hospital.
Ask about Clots is aimed at encouraging patients to speak to doctors and nurses about their risk of developing a blood clot – known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – so that they can be assessed and given appropriate treatment to prevent one developing.
The campaign has been developed by the 1000 Lives Improvement service in Public Health Wales and is supported by Lifeblood, the thrombosis charity.
Research has estimated that 1,250 people are at risk of death annually in Wales from blood clots that they may develop while they are in hospital.
More people believe they are more likely to develop a thrombosis while flying than in hospital due to some highly publicised deaths in the past. But the reality is that the risk of developing a clot during time spent in hospital can be 1,000 times higher than from time spent on a plane.
Everyone is at risk of developing a clot but the most at risk are people over 60 or those who are overweight, receiving treatment for cancer, pregnant, undergoing serious surgery or those with ongoing medical conditions.
According to the campaign, which was launched at the Senedd, hospitals are already encouraged to use a special checklist to evaluate a patient’s risk of developing a blood clot. Simple treatments including wearing leg stockings, taking small doses of medication that thin the blood and keeping mobile can prevent clots safely and effectively.