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April 2020

Covid-19: Shadow Transport Minister praises roads construction staff
The Shadow Transport Minister – Russell George AM – has today (April 30) added his voice to the appreciation of all involved in maintaining and developing critical roads infrastructure in Wales. 

Virtual offer for young people ever increasing via YEPS service
The Council’s Youth Engagement and Participation Service (YEPS) continues to expand its daily activity and support for young people – from virtual youth clubs to Zoom challenges, Instant Messaging sessions and online activities. 

Spring Update on Maternity Services and Targeted Intervention - Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Today marks one year since I published the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of Midwives joint report, following their review of maternity services at the former Cwm Taf University Health Board.Over the last 12 months the Independent Maternity Services Oversight

Cannabis factory found in back lane: Church Village
Over 200 cannabis plants have been discovered at a building in Church Village. The plants were found on Tuesday, 28 April, after two police officers followed their sense of smell as they patrolled in the area.Their enquiries led them to a commercial premises in a back lane off Main Road. A search wa

Covid-19: Leader of the Opposition tackles Drakeford the First Minister over the ‘national embarrassment’ of unreported deaths
In the virtual Plenary session today (April 29), Paul Davies AM – the Leader of the Opposition – grilled the First Minister over one of the most concerning aspects to Wales’ response to the Coronavirus pandemic: the underreporting of deaths of people with the virus.Acknowledging that a review has be

Covid-19: Shock at Health Welsh Minister’s refusal to expand Coronavirus testing for all care home residents
Janet Finch-Saunders, the Shadow Social Minister, has reacted with shock at the announcement today (April 29) that the Minster for Health has refused to expand Covid-19 (Coronavirus) testing for all residents of care homes.Just last week, Mrs Finch-Saunders called for the mandatory testing.

Cocaine seized after a police stop in Rhondda
Police seized cocaine from a man in Tonyrefail on Friday (24 April, 2020).Two eagle-eyed officers spotted the driver of a black Corsa acting suspiciously he drove through Gilfach Goch at approximately 6pm.They vehicle continued into Tonyrefail but officers followed and pounced when they saw the car

Covid-19: Welsh Conservatives call for increased support for bus companies
Information obtained by the Welsh Conservatives suggests that bus companies and the routes they operate are under threat as a specific grant for bus services in Wales to help them through the Covid19 pandemic has not been passed on by Welsh Government.Figures as reported by media indicate that nearl

Providing Vital Care In Our Communities
Caring for the most vulnerable people living in our communities across RCT is a job that Natalie Eshelby finds so rewarding, none more so than during these most difficult of times.

Care provider encourages people to stay at home & take up gardening during Coronavirus restrictions
A WELSH care agency is launching a campaign (April, 2020) to get people gardening during the current Coronavirus restrictions to help improve mental and physical wellbeing for those at home. Abacare says gardening is hugely beneficial, especially for the elderly or people with dementia, and it can h

What can patients expect of their doctor?
Doctors, and the whole healthcare team, are under intense pressure. The impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) means they might need to deliver care in different ways.

The grassfire you saw from your garden – could it darken your door?
If your child is involved in starting deliberate grassfires, you can expect a visit from us.Have the conversation before it is too late 

PONTYPRIDD CONSTITUENCY’S COMMUNITY SPIRIT STILL STRONG, DESPITE FLOODING AND CORONAVIRUS
Despite the flooding and the Coronavirus crisis, the community spirit of Pontypridd is stronger than ever according to Plaid Cymru’s councillors.All three county councillors have been busy working alongside volunteers to support those who are sheltering or self-isolating in their wards, as well as o

Attendance at A & E, drops, but Shadow Health Minister says ‘Patients should still attend if they are seriously ill’
The latest batch of NHS Wales waiting time figures – published today – are the first that have been released since the full Covid-19 (Coronavirus) lockdown came into force.StatsWales, which published the figures, will exclude performance related summaries perhaps until at least October.The figures i

New guidance published by Welsh Government: Children’s social services during the COVID-19 pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) presents unprecedented challenges to vulnerable families and is placing increasing pressure on children’s services.The document provides guidance on the continued provision of support to vulnerable, at risk and care experienced children, during this period.The gui

No medication, no food, and no support
New survey reveals extreme ways COVID-19 is affecting people with multiple sclerosisThe COVID-19 pandemic is heavily impacting the lives of some of those most vulnerable to the virus, leaving them without essential medications and support, a new survey shows today1.The MS Society carried out the sur

HSE advises on the importance of fitting respirators correctly
If a respirator is incorrectly fitted, it will not provide you with protection.HSE is advising healthcare workers currently using respiratory protective equipment (RPE) on 

Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Vaughan Gething AM14:37:06 22 April 2020 Minister for Health and Social ServicesMemberI am going to give Members an updat

Covid-19: Leader of the Opposition calls for all Coronavirus testing centres to be opened and operational
Paul Davies AM – the Leader of the Opposition in the Welsh Parliament – has called on the Welsh Government to accelerate the opening of all testing centres for key workers.He made his call to the First Minister during Plenary today (April 22), when he also asked for the initial find

Keeping Our Communities Connected said Dean Emson, 37, of Abercynon, who works as a Team Manager for Community Services
The Council’s seven Community Resilience Centres, established in the wake of the COVID-19 Coronavirus situation, are ‘vital cogs in the wheels of our communities,” according to one centre manager, whose team helps hundreds of individuals each day.Dean Emson, 37, of Abercynon, who works as a Team Man

RCT Council Bulk Waste Collections to be Reinstated
Based upon the availability of current resources, the Council will reinstate the collection of ‘Bulky Waste’ items for residents from Monday 27th April.The collections will be limited to a restricted list of large bulky household items, which will only include large essential household items (e.g.

Police make early-hour arrests following busy night of grassfires
South Wales Police arrested three people in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday, 21 April) on suspicion of committing arson with intent.At approximately 4.45am, police stopped a car being driven along the A4059 and arrested two males, aged 19 and 17, and a female, aged 16.They remain in police

RCT Trading Standards – safeguarding work with vulnerable residents
The Council’s Trading Standards department is undertaking significant work to protect residents from Coronavirus-related scams, including additional safeguarding exercises with those who are particularly vulnerable.Since the current Coronavirus national emergency started, scammers have been targetin

Recharge Rooms provide respite for Cwm Taf Morgannwg staff
Recharge Rooms are being set up in our hospitals to help staff manage their mental wellbeing during the Coronavirus crisis.The rooms are providing quiet spaces for Cwm Taf Morgannwg employees to take a break from the pressures of working during the Covid outbreak, with the chance to take part in rel

Furloughed, laid-off, self-employed & out-of-work given financial lifeline by care firm
THOSE currently fit and healthy but unable to work following business closures and Coronavirus restrictions can earn money in their own community with a Welsh care firm (April, 2020). Abacare says it can offer full training and paid work immediately to anyone willing to become a professional home ca

Welsh Government’s learning programme lacks details – warns AM
Responding to the new initiative that the Welsh Government has unveiled for pupils, Shadow Minister for Education, Suzy Davies AM, said:“The pandemic is causing havoc in our daily lives and our educational sector is no exception.“Whilst I’m pleased in principle with the Welsh Government’s  Stay Safe

Deliberate Fires Endanger Lives And Destroy Environment
During these unprecedented times, the Council is continuing to support South Wales Fire and Rescue Service as part of Operation Dawns Glaw - a taskforce set up to reduce the number of deliberate fires across the region, and we are urging residents not to be tempted to burn garden or household waste.

Public Health Wales Report
Headline summary linkhttps://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary

RCT Food Distribution Centre
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Sobell Leisure Centre has been transformed into the Council’s Food Distribution Centre during the COVID-19 Coronavirus national emergency.Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, more than 2,700 people have contacted the Council requesting support and assistance with suc

New app launched to track and trace coronavirus
First Minister Mark Drakeford and NHS Wales are appealing to the Welsh public to download a new COVID Symptom Tracker app to help the NHS response to COVID-19 in Wales.People across Wales are being asked to log their daily symptoms to help build a clearer picture of how the virus is affecting people

Number of cases and deaths
As of 9am on 16 April,417,649 tests have concluded, with 18,665 tests carried out on 15 April.327,608 people have been tested, of whom 103,093 tested positive.As of 5pm on 15 April, of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 13,729 have died. TestsPeople testedPositiveDeath

Covid-19: Testing in Wales has been ‘failure exacerbated by inefficiency’
Welsh Conservative Shadow Health Minister, Angela Burns AM, is calling for a change in how the testing system in Wales is managed in a bid to end the delay and deliver results after “… failure has been exacerbated by inefficiency”. Testing for Covid-19 (Coronavirus) in Wales has been beset by delays

RCTC Recycling and Waste Update
Online Recycling Bag Request and Delivery Service Reinstated  Based on current staff resources, the Council has been able to temporarily reinstate the online recycling bag request and delivery service. This will run for as long as possible, but is subject to change and under constant review.

Food parcels prove lifeline for Cynon Valley community during lockdown
A social enterprise improving health and wellbeing in the Cynon Valley is providing a lifeline to residents unable to go shopping during the Coronavirus crisis.Cynon Valley Organic Adventures, based in Abercynon, has launched a daily food distribution service to help vulnerable members of the commun

Would you like to help?
The health board has been inundated with numerous offers of support from our communities and the kindness and generosity has been overwhelming.Due to the changes in visiting and to support patients and families through the COVID-19 crisis, the health board is starting to build central stocks of toil

'We need to be able to scrutinise Bill and its consequences thoroughly' - AM
Commenting on the Welsh Government confirming the changes to the curriculum are being brought forward before the summer, Shadow Welsh Conservative Education Minister, Suzy Davies AM, said: “I would like to thank all the teachers and support staff who have worked tirelessly to provide opportunities f

A woman was arrested in Treherbert in the early hours of this morning for drink driving
A woman was arrested in the early hours of this morning for drink driving and for taking a vehicle without consent. Patrolling officers were called a street in Treherbert last night following reports that a car with significant damage to its side and a tyre missing had been abandoned.

Flexicare Medical Limited, in Mountain Ash, is increasing production of lifesaving devices such as ventilator breathing systems
Flexicare Medical Limited, in Mountain Ash, is increasing production of lifesaving devices such as ventilator breathing systems, humidifiers, and resuscitators to support the NHS.

Welsh Government needs to get testing in care homes
Shadow Welsh Conservative Social Care Minister, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, has called on the Welsh Government to follow the UK Government’s announcement that all care home residents and staff who have suspected Covid19 symptoms will be tested.Commenting, Janet said: “Nearly a third of care homes in Wa

Adult education classes continue through online platforms
The Council is continuing to deliver a programme of adult education provision at this time by utilising online technology and resources – and residents will soon be able to sign up for summer courses. The ongoing public health emergency and social distancing guidelines have resulted in paid-for adul

Innovating to find rapid solutions for ambulance decontamination
THE Welsh Ambulance Service has challenged businesses to develop a new innovation to speed up the decontamination of ambulances during the Coronavirus outbreak.The Trust has asked businesses to come up with a solution to accelerate the cleaning of its vehicles so that crews can get back on the road

Men’s shed keeps people in touch
A social group in Pontypridd is working to combat loneliness during the COVID-19 outbreak by moving its presence online.The Dewi Sant Men’s Shed, which was launched last year at Dewi Sant Health Park in Pontypridd is now operating on Facebook, helping members to keep in touch at a time when many peo

“NHS Wales is open” - Diabetes UK Cymru urges parents to be aware of symptoms during lockdown
 
  • A quarter of children and young people with type 1 diabetes develop serious DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) before they’re diagnosed
  • Charity reminds parents to be vigilant, and act if they’re worried
  • Remember these symptoms, the 4Ts: Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, Thinner
 Dia

A BIG Cheer of thanks to our dedicated frontline heroes in Rhondda Cynon Taf
A BIG Cheer of thanks to our dedicated frontline heroes, who, despite these unprecedented and difficult times, are still delivering key frontline services to Rhondda Cynon Taf residents.

Challenge to local authority school transport policy was third Welsh medium High Court matter to date
A recent judicial review claim of a local authority's school transport policy in the light of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 and the Equality Act 2010 is understood to have been only the third Welsh medium High Court matter to date.Barristers Chambers Civitas Law, whose

Welsh carers back charity’s #Cooee campaign for neighbours during COVID-19
A WELSH care provider is supporting a charity campaign for people each lunchtime during the COVID-19 restrictions to open their windows and shout ‘hello’ to their neighbours (April 2020). Abacare, which looks after the vulnerable and elderly in their own homes, says it is backing the idea to raise a

Covid-19: Just a quarter of daily tests being carried out
A maximum of 1,300 (26 percent) of the anticipated 5,000 Covid-19 (Coronavirus) tests are being achieved each day, the Health Minister admitted in a briefing earlier today.In a statement on March 28, the Health Minister said that 5,000 antigen tests a day would be achieved by mid-April for people ad

Extended opening hours for Doctor surgeries and pharmacies over Easter
GP practices and pharmacies across Cwm Taf Morgannwg are open for extended hours over the Easter holiday period due to the unprecedented demands of fighting Coronavirus.Many doctor surgeries and pharmacies are open on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with some also open on the Saturday and Easter Sund

Clap For Our Carers
Our residents are once again being encouraged to take part in another huge round of applause to show our appreciation of all those working in the NHS, and across all frontline services, at such a difficult time.Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is once again supporting the latest national ‘Clap For Our Care

Good Samaritan school worker aims to deliver free packed lunches to Tonyrefail children
A member of staff from Tonyrefail Community School is hoping to deliver daily free packed lunches to feed up to 300 local children during the coronavirus crisis. Leanne Parsons, child protection lead at the school and from Tonyrefail, has set up a crowdfunding project which is hoped to provide a fre

Would you like someone to talk to?
Most people feel lonely sometimes, for different reasons.Are you, or someone you know in self-isolation, at home or in hospital at the moment and feeling lonely?If loneliness is affecting your life, our volunteers can help and are available to talk to you.Would you like a volunteer to contact you fo

New study will establish vital information on COVID-19
The MS Society is looking for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to provide vital information on how coronavirus is affecting them.MS damages nerves in the body and makes it harder to do everyday things, like walk, talk, eat and think.

RIDDOR reporting of COVID-19
You must only make a report under RIDDOR (The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) when: 
  • an unintended incident at work has led to someone’s possible or actual exposure to coronavirus.

Welsh plastics company which works with global brands now making ventilators and coronavirus (COVID-19) testing kits
Performance Masterbatches Ltd in Blaenau Gwent, which makes the colour for the Nescafe Gold Blend lids and also counts Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and Honda among its customers, has invested in new processes to help address the coronavirus pandemic, with around 2

South Wales Police are appealing on behalf of the Coroner to find the next of kin for Raymond Davies
South Wales Police are appealing on behalf of the Coroner to find the next of kin for Raymond Davies who died in non-suspicious circumstances on 30 March, 2020.Raymond was 80 years-old and lived in Twynygarreg, Treharris – to date we’ve been unable to trace his next of kin and we are appealing for y

RCT Events Cancelled
As the coronavirus national health emergency continues, the Council has taken the decision to extend the cancellation of all Authority-run events up to and including the month of September.The decision to extend the period has been taken in light of the preparation and organisation required to host

THE Welsh Ambulance Service plea for public to stop calling 999 for Covid-19 tests and check-ups
THE Welsh Ambulance Service is appealing to the public not to call 999 for a Coronavirus test.Some patients have been demanding that paramedics perform an on-the-spot test to rule out the virus, according to feedback from crews.Ambulance crews do not, and never have, carried tests for Coronavirus.Th

#MovingToBigSchool project with young people
The Council is asking Year 7 and 8 pupils to get creative and help current Year 6 pupils who lost their final term in primary school to feel confident and excited about #MovingToBigSchool this September. The Council’s Arts and Creative Industries team, along with local theatre company Avant Cymru, a

Virtual Photo Exhibition About the Homeless World Cup Cynon Valley Museum

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Abacare offers care job interviews by FaceTime during Coronavirus restrictions
AN AWARD-WINNING Welsh homecare provider is offering virtual interviews to people currently out of work due to Coronavirus restrictions to help reduce the need for them to leave their homes unnecessarily (April, 2020). Abacare is seeking frontline care staff to deliver physical and emotional support

Clinical Haematology Service moving off PCH and RGH sites
In order to increase capacity on the major sites and better protect our patients, the Clinical Haematology Services from Prince Charles Hospital and Royal Glamorgan Hospital (Day Units and OPD) will be moving temporarily to a new area.Up to and including Tuesday 7th April the service will be run fro

Playing actively in and around the home
A new guide, published by Pla

TONTEG COMMUNITY CENTRE CLOCK TURNS BLUE TO SUPPORT NHS
A new community clock in Tonteg has turned blue in support of the NHS during the Coronavirus public health emergency. Chairman of Tonteg Community Centre John David, said: “Although Tonteg Community Centre is closed due to the Coronavirus, The volunteer management committee would like to pay tribute

Stroke concern rising amid Covid-19 crisis warns top charity
Concerns are mounting that people who have a stroke or TIA/mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack) are not calling 999 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

YEPS service supporting young people during Coronavirus outbreak
The Council’s Youth Engagement and Participation Service (YEPS) continues its vital support for young people at this time – through new functions such as instant messaging, online workshops, virtual youth clubs and much more.The Coronavirus health emergency and social distancing restrictions have cl

Council working closely with police to clampdown on fly-tipping
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is working closely with South Wales Police to deter would-be fly-tippers who are intending to dispose of waste illegally during the coronavirus lockdown.A number of individuals have already been stopped for undertaking unessential trips and, as a consequence, have been succ

Research: review of personal protective equipment provided in health care settings to manage risk during coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19)
IntroductionExperts from HSE and PHE have carried out a rapid review of the evidence supporting the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare and in the context of COVID-19.This work was delivered by HSE for the Government Chief Scientific Adviser.

Clap For Our Carers
Our residents are once again being encouraged to take part in another huge round of applause to show our appreciation of all those working in the NHS, and across all frontline services, at such a difficult time.Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is once again supporting the second national ‘Clap For Our Care

Art competition for children
Calling all parents!Is your child a budding artist?If so, let them show off their creativity and self-expression by taking part in the health board’s art competition.We know these are challenging times for families and that children like being occupied.

Wise up and Stay. Bloody home.
Taken from Facebook I'm still lucky enough to be able to go to work every day but I'm seeing and increasing amount of disturbing behaviour. Of course I understand that people are bored, cabin fever, stir crazy, but there are people EVERYWHERE.

Welsh Ambulance Service's plea for public's honesty during Covid-19
THE Welsh Ambulance Service is urging the public to be honest about the nature of their illness when calling 111 or 999 for help.It has become apparent that some members of the public have been withholding information about their illness during the Covid-19 outbreak for fear of not being sent an amb

‘It’s a smokescreen’: Welsh Government trying to push through votes for prisoners during Coronavirus pandemic
Welsh Conservatives have reacted with shock at the announcement made today (April 1) by the First Minister that the Labour administration will push through legislation to change the local government election system, despite the continuing Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.In the statement, only enfran

Help support NHS by being a carer & keeping vulnerable safe at home
A WELSH home care provider is keeping the vulnerable and elderly at home and away from the NHS during the COVID-19 crisis, but it urgently needs more staff to help (April, 2020). Abacare says that it’s essential work in the community means it’s protecting those who need care at home, shielding them

Access the RCT Library Service from your home
From downloading books, e-audio and comics to viewing photo archives and learning a new language – you can access numerous FREE resources through the RCT Library Service from the comfort of your home. The Coronavirus outbreak has resulted in the closure of all library buildings across the County Bor

Do you know where your children are right now?
Can you be sure you know what they are doing?Emergency Services were called on Sunday afternoon following reports that a group of youths were seen starting, and then running away from a fire on wasteland on Trebanog Hill.The fire quickly spread to cover approximately 12 hectares of land and damaged