Blood Clots
The Assembly’s health committee has released a very significant report revealing that almost 1,000 people are dying unnecessarily in Welsh hospitals due to blood clots.
I’m a member of the committee and it was shocking to hear that 70% of deaths from cloths could be prevented if there were measures in place. More people in Wales die from blood cuts than due to breast cancer, MRSA and HIV combined.
Committee members are worried that some doctors are routinely ignoring guidelines requiring them to assess every patient for the risk of hospital-acquired thrombosis and prescribe blood thinning medicines if needed.
Every time I fly abroad I wear compression socks to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis and many people are aware of the need to do simple exercises on long journeys. Perhaps, there is not the same appreciation that long periods of inactivity in hospital can be just as risky.
I hope the report from the committee will lead to action and guidelines for reducing the risk to hospital patients by the NHS.
Senghenydd Disaster
I was present on Monday when hundreds of black balloons were released in Senghenydd to mark the 99th anniversary of the colliery disaster in which 440 men and boys died. Just 12 years earlier more than 80 men died underground at Senghenydd.
Each balloon released contained the name of one of the victims of these two disasters, moving some of those present to tears.
My great grandfather Evan Hopcyn James was one of those that died in the 1913 Universal explosion, which was the UK’s worst colliery disaster.
Land in Senghenydd has been set aside for a Welsh National Mining Memorial to be established to coincide with the centenary of the 1913 disaster.
Cardiff Region
The issue of creating city regions is now on the agenda with talk about one being based around Cardiff.
Plaid wants to see the capital fulfil its potential but that was not be done at the expense of our Valley communities.
I want to see benefits shared around and perhaps the name of any region in the south-east should include Valleys in its title.
It is also important that businesses and local authorities in our towns are involved in the city region process.
Lindsay Whittle
Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales East
Dear Lindsey
the Aber valley WI are planning an event to commemorate the 1913 mining disaster – with an emphasis on the stories of the women left behind; as you have mentioned in your blog that your family was directly affected by the disaster – I wondered if you could share any pertinent information. many thanks. Mrs Sian Davies ( Secretary)