Call for support to avert ‘crisis’ in care sector
PEOPLE are being urged to step up as volunteers and makeshift carers to avert a “crisis” in health and social care in two Welsh local authorities.
Cardiff Council, the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, and the Welsh Ambulance Service issued a joint statement yesterday to outline the deeply concerning situation to the public.
They warn that the region does not have the staff to cope with the sheer volume of people needing to be discharged from hospital with care packages or who need care in their own homes and communities.
Significant delays in these services are leading to a shortage of NHS beds, backlogs in areas like A&E, and the Welsh Ambulance Service looking after scores of patients in their vehicles outside hospitals.
The authorities are now urging people to take on responsibility for looking after their loved ones – when they are medically fit to be discharged – to try and free up hospital beds. They are also calling on people to return to the care sector if they’ve left or join a fast-track programme to become a qualified carer.
“Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan – like the rest of the UK – is currently facing unprecedented demand for health and social care services,” the joint statement reads.
“Right now we are seeing a 30% increase in people needing care at home compared with pre-pandemic numbers. This huge increase in demand – alongside a UK-wide shortage of care workers and health care staff – is leading to delays in care provision and preventing the timely discharge of patients from hospital settings.
“Patients who are medically fit are not being discharged from hospital in a timely manner, which is leading to significant bed shortages across hospital sites. This in turn leads to lengthy ambulance waits at our emergency unit, which means ambulance crews are unable to respond to 999 calls in the community, so people are waiting longer for ambulances.
“Our care providers, who have continued to deliver vital services throughout the pandemic, are now struggling to meet the surge in demand for care and to find the staff to join the sector.”
The organisations said priority is currently being given to the most vulnerable people and alternative health and care packages are being offered as a shortterm measure.
More carers and health staff are also being drafted in to support those in need.
“Social care teams and third-sector partners are supporting people to avoid hospital admission in the first place so care is received closer to home,” the statement adds.
“But right now all of this is still not enough and so we are calling on you to come forward to join us and to help support the most vulnerable in our communities at this difficult time.
“We all know that patients would rather not spend a long time in hospital and long stays can be detrimental as patients may de-condition, increasing their chance of falls and a loss of independence and confidence.
“Spending as little time in hospital as possible is not only better for patients but will also free up vital NHS beds so we can continue to care for those with urgent and acute care needs.”
Cardiff Council recently launched the Cardiff Cares Academy which offers training and support and has enrolled 42 people since October. In the Vale of Glamorgan the Fast Track to Care programme will soon be recruiting new staff for January start dates.
“Doing something as simple as shopping or sitting with someone while their carer has a well-earned break could make such a difference,” the statement adds.
“Just as we did during the height of the pandemic we are asking everyone who can to come together and help those most in need. Both councils are working with a range of third-sector partners to match volunteers with someone who needs support.”
If you live in Cardiff and think that you can help, contact Cardiff council’s Advice Line on 029 2087 1071 or visit intoworkcardiff.co.uk or e mail cardiffcaresacademy@cardiff.gov.uk
Anyone who would like to volunteer in the Vale of Glamorgan should contact Glamorgan Voluntary Services. They will help volunteers find the best placement for them. People can register their interest at www.gvs.wales .
Age Concern also has a waiting list of older people in the Vale looking for help. Anyone willing to help with their work in the community should contact Helen. prior@ageconnectscardiff.org.uk or call 02922 400030.
Instead of turning up in A&E people are urged to call CAV24/7 if their condition is not life or limb-threatening, use the NHS 111 Wales online symptom checkers, or access community pharmacies for minor illnesses and advice.