Friday Morning News

Our local Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board say as part their preparations for Coronavirus they are  postponing routine surgery, outpatient clinics and appointments from today.

The decision has been taken so clinicians can train, plan and prioritise delivery of emergency services in respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

They say teams are carefully reviewing their lists to identify which patients might need additional support during this time and all patients will be contacted about their care.

John Palmer, Chief Operating Officer, said: “Decisions to postpone activity are never easy, but it is vital that we do this so we can protect our staff and patients and ensure we are fully prepared to deal with COVID-19 and thank all our staff for continuing to work incredibly hard in this very fast-changing situation, and are extremely grateful to our communities for their support at this time.”

Alongside the move the Health Board will have a new visitor policy from today too, with people  asked not to visit any of their sites if they have a high temperature, a new and persistent cough, have returned from overseas travel in the last 2 weeks or are vulnerable as a result of chronic illness or medication or are over 70 years of age.

With certain exceptions only one immediate family member or carer will be allowed at the bedside of non coronavirus patients at a time and only between 3-4pm and 7-8pm only.  But while canteens will become staff only, coffee shops will stay open to all.

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Meanwhile RCT Council is taking action to reduce the spread the virus which will affect some of their public services and they are asking residents to follow them on Twitter, Facebook or through their website for the latest information.

So far we know that Leisure Centres are OPEN at present, but following public health guidance all fitness classes and club bookings are suspended until further notice.  But all RCT Leisure Centres will CLOSE to the public from this SUNDAY at 4PM so staff can be redeployed to support key services. As a result of this closure all Leisure for Life membership payments and swimming lesson direct debit payments will be frozen and those with unused days will have them added to make up for days lost in March once centres re-open for business.

RCT Contact Centre

From Monday, while The Lifeline service will continue to run, the Council’s contact centre will be repurposed to respond to coronavirus – so please only contact the Council for essential/emergency requests as their full focus is to prioritise response to coronavirus so normal Council response standards will not apply.

And only the following RCT run libraries will remain open between 9 and 5 Monday to Friday:

Aberdare, Ferndale, Garth Olwg, Llantrisant, Mountain Ash and Porth.

And The Council will not take any further bookings for bulky waste collections. Customers booked in untill Friday 10th April may be contacted with an amended/earlier date.

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Finally, tributes are being paid to former Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham who has died in hospital.

As the BBC reports the 35 year old had suffered a head injury in a fall in a pub in Barry – and confirming the news Cardiff City said “We are heartbroken, the news of Peter’s sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation”

He began his career at Aston Villa and made 459 appearances for the club, scoring 98 goals in the decade from 2007 becoming a firm fans’ favourite by scoring numerous spectacular long-range goals.

And the funeral on March 31^st of former Wales rugby player Matthew J Watkins will have to be streamed online from Thornhill Crematorium because social distancing rules require that only close friends and relatives can attend in person.