PROGRESS!

John Dixon (Cardiff Council - Lib Dem) has agreed to meet with Julie Morgan (Labour MP).
As a result we have been unofficially offered an Independent Manager from a neighboring council to monitor the Unified Assessment which will be done by a social worker from Cardiff.

This is good news (I think) as it goes one step towards fulfilling the recommendations made by the Independent Complaints Panel back in December.

We're still waiting for our full and unreserved apology from the Director of Social Services and for the formal removal of the threat of a POVA Case Conference from the Stage 2 Report from October.

We have also had our first direct communication from Byron Davies, Chief Executive of Cardiff Council and a personal e-mail from Edwina Hart.

It's a move in the right direction but it's not over yet.

This progress is as a result of your support, prayers, constant e-mails, petition-signing and letter writing.

A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!!

D-Day

Tuesday 4th March is fast approaching.
This is the date when the Director of Social Services will withdraw all of Pete's care leaving Catrin (aged 7) and myself to look after Pete 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Obviously I can't let this happen so with a week to go they've twisted my arm into agreeing to an assessment.
I'm not optimistic that they will use a mediator to carry out the assessment as has been recommended by an Independent Panel.
I don't believe that the outcome can be anything other than a foregone conclusion.
As soon as Pete meets the Continuing Health Care Criteria he becomes the responsibility of the NHS and Social Services' budget will look better at the end of the financial year 2008.
And that's what it's all about, isn't it?

THANK-YOU!!!

A big thank-you to everyone who has signed the petition to the Prime Minister - it's now over 700 names which makes Pete feel very popular.
Catrin updates the number and sticks it on the TV every day to cheer him up!
Thanks to all who have taken the time and effort to write, e-mail and contact the powers that be who have made our lives so difficult over the last few months.
Particular thanks to those who have sent letters that have made me laugh - you know who you are!!!!!
Pete's in respite this week as we all need a break but he will be back next Monday in the bosom of his loving family.......yep I can hear him laughing at that concept!

One Wales - Welsh Assembly agenda

I have just been told about the One Wales document - Labour and Plaid's vision for the future of the government of Wales over the next 4 years.
It was published on 27th June 2007 and contains the following statements...

A Healthy Future
"We recognise the need to work harder to improve the well-being of all vulnerable and disadvantaged in Wales who rely heavily on our health service"

Supporting Social Care
"We are firmly committed to improving the care provided to vulnerable people by public, private and voluntary bodies. We will help people to be independent and achieve their full potential, whilst also protecting people when they are most vulnerable. We will drive forward improvements in the quality of care, creating seamless care pathways at a fair cost."

If you don't agree that the phrases in italics have been applied to Pete's case then please write to the Welsh Assembly - Edwina Hart in particular.

Pete's thoughts

It took Pete several days to type this into his communication aid...

'Thank you for all that you do for me'

Petes thoughts

When Pete realised he could be forced to go into a Nursing Home he typed this in to his communication aid....

'I'm really frightened'