Shaw and Crompton Liberal Democrats get Defibrillator on Shaw Life long Learning Centre

Defib on LLL HS

Councillors Diane Williamson and Howard Sykes MBE are delighted that a defibrillator has been installed on the Shaw Lifelong Learning Centre, High Street, Shaw.

Councillor Williamson, Shadow Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, speaking for her colleagues, said: “Absolutely delighted that this has happened.  Over the last year, the Liberal Democrats have been proactive on the Council in asking for a number of initiatives, which include first aid training for all school children and defibrillators to be installed in Council buildings.  The Lifelong Learning Centre is such a prominent location that it was a no brainer when deciding on the location.”

Approximately 100,000 people a year die after having a sudden cardiac arrest with the survival rate for out of hospital cardiac arrest being less than 10%.  If a defibrillator is used in conjunction with CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), then this can increase the survival rate to over 70%”.

Local Shaw Councillor Howard Sykes, added “Whilst anyone can use an AED*, because you are talked through how to use the device, the staff at the Centre will also be trained how to use it and what to do in an emergency”.

*Automated External Defibrillator is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm. 

With simple audio and visual commands, AEDs are designed to be simple to use for the layperson, and the use of AEDs is taught in many first aid, certified first responder, and basic life support (BLS) level cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes.

 

DOGS ON TRAMS PETITION

tumblr_nqcj0mehQP1r77jw6o1_500

Liberal Democrats are calling for dogs to be allowed on trams across Greater Manchester (for an off peak pilot to be undertaken).

Currently dogs are allowed on buses and trains in Greater Manchester and are even allowed on the London Underground.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) does not seem to have any real reasons why dogs shouldn’t be allowed on trams. There doesn’t seem any need for a ban.

It’s disappointing that Labour and the Conservatives voted to delay this decision and I think they are secretly opposed to any move, even a trial, to allow dogs on trams.

You can sign the petition at:

http://howardsykes.mycouncillor.org.uk/petition-to-allow-dogs-on-trams/

Feel free to share this link with your friends and colleagues.

My two allowed Leader’s questions for tonight’s Oldham Council meeting

questions-to-ask-your-LASIK-doctorLQ1 – OFSTED Children’s Services Report

My first question to the Leader tonight concerns the recent report by OFSTED about the performance of our children’s services department and the Safeguarding Board.

In 2012, when OFSTED last published a report on these services they were judged to be Good. In the August 2015 report they were deemed to be Requiring Improvement – a significantly worsened position.

Mercifully, in the report, OFSTED affirms positively that the four children’s homes operated by the local authority “were judged to be good or outstanding in their most recent Ofsted inspection” and that “There are no widespread or serious failures that create or leave children being harmed or at risk of harm”.

I am sure that this news will at least be a relief to all members in this chamber given recent tragedies involving vulnerable children and young people elsewhere; tragedies that I have previously raised in questions to the Leader.

But the report also states damningly that “The authority is not yet delivering good protection and help for children, young people and families” and that it is “not yet delivering good care” for looked after children and young people.

OFSTED also states that “Leadership, management and governance require improvement” and that “the characteristics of good leadership are not in place”.

I am sure that like me the Leader will share the expectation of OFSTED that “all children and young people in Oldham receive the level of help, care and protection that will ensure their safety and help prepare them for adult life”.

Certainly this was an expectation that we always worked to meet during my administration and this was why the Leader was able to inherit a Good rating in the last report.

So can he therefore now tell me what plan will be put in place to ensure that our Children’s Services will be improved and our leadership, management and governance structures made fit for purpose, so that we may avoid another such damning verdict in future? 

LQ2 – Elder Abuse

My second question concerns another group of vulnerable people – this time elderly people subjected to abuse.

Although there is much media attention focused on the abuse of children there is comparatively little given to that meted out to our elders. And here I am referring to neglect and financial and emotional abuse, as well as physical abuse.

The UK charity Action on Elder Abuse estimates that 8.6% of older people living in our communities are subject to elder abuse – over 500,000 people. Yet this is hidden from sight from the majority of people.

Breaking the statistics down a little – 60% of victims are over 80 years of age, more than 15% are over 90 years old, and almost one in five – 19% – have dementia.

Although most people have heard reports of abuse in care homes or in hospitals, the majority of older victims of abuse live in their own homes, and the majority of abusers are relatives not professionals. Most shockingly a quarter of those abused actually live with their abusers.

My second question to the Leader tonight is to ask him what is being done to address elder abuse in this Borough? 

Councillor Howard Sykes, Leader of the Opposition and Lib Dem Group Oldham Council, 9 September 2015