In some welcome good news for Flintshire, the Welsh Government last week announced a significant local investment – working in partnership with Flintshire County Council - which will create two new integrated health and social care community facilities in the area, backed by more than £14m in funding. One project will see a new residential care home opened in Flint, while the other will provide a day and work services hub for individuals with learning disabilities, autism and mental health support needs in Mold.
The Croes Atti Residential Care Home, in Flint, will be expanded to house 56 older people on the site of the much-loved former community hospital. When complete, integrated social care and healthcare services will be delivered by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) and Flintshire County Council social services teams. Meanwhile, the Maes Gwern Integrated Service Hub will see existing HFT learning disability day services at Tri Ffordd, in Bretton, and the Growing Places mental health day service in Shotton, relocate to Mold.
In some other positive health-related news, BCUHB has recently extended the hours of the Minor Injury Units in both Mold and Holywell, helping people better access support and services locally, while hopefully taking some pressure off A&E sites. The unit at Mold Community Hospital is now open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm, while the unit at Holywell Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week. Don’t forget, you can always get non-emergency help in Wales by dialling 111 or 999 if there is an emergency – and these updated hours don’t affect A&E services.
In the Senedd last week, I made a statement to update members on the progress being made with the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act – which I brought in as part of my role as Deputy Minister for Social Partnership. The Act is landmark legislation that puts our Welsh way of working on a statutory footing – here in Wales, we are working together in partnership to make a difference for our communities, our economy and our country and ensuring workers’ voices are front and centre through their trade unions. Bringing together the collective expertise of social partners to lead to better outcomes for people right across Wales – not just changing legislation but changing lives.
It was also good to drop in to meet Wales footballers Helen Ward and Joe Ledley to learn more about the McDonald’s Fun Football programme to support grassroots clubs across Wales through the FAW. My first job was in McDonald’s and it’s great to see they have committed to providing 10 million hours of fun football for children across Wales – some of the free activities include summer festivals, ambassador coaching videos, football sessions and the chance to win football prizes. The programme kicks off in the spring and you can find your nearest sessions at www.faw.cymru/mcdonalds-fun-football – it’s a great way to make new friends, build confidence and learn some new skills.
On Friday I held my first surgery of 2024 in my office in Mold, a chance to catch up on the things which affect our area of north Wales and to help people with any issues they may have. I will be planning some more surgeries in the coming months, including street surgeries in specific areas, so if there are any issues you’d like to talk to me about it’s worth getting in touch on the details below.
As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HannahBlythynForDelyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait until an advice surgery.