Minutes:
5. Ward Issues
Cllr Hannell referred to the recent fire on 8 May 2023 that devastated the pharmacy at Bennetts End. A full report has been provided on the actions that Cllr Hannell will be taking to ensure that impacts are minimised to Bennetts End residents. It is the only surgery in the Bennetts End ward and one of only two pharmacies. Cllr Hannell noted that staff ensured the surgery was running the following morning and is now operating with minimal impact to the local community, though there is an impact through losing a pharmacy that served around 16,500 constituents and has also impacted the other pharmacy in Bennetts Gate, which is now seeing a 400% rise in prescriptions they need to process. Cllr Hannell praised all involved and stated that they hope that the surgery will be returning to full capacity in the coming weeks and a temporary pharmacy will be installed in 4-6 weeks time. The surgery has asked the council to assist with messaging regarding the circumstances.
The Chair asked if regular messages are being sent out to the community regarding the surgery. DSoutham confirmed that this would be checked with the comms team and would be picked up if not.
Cllr Bhinder queried what caused the pharmacy fire. Cllr Hannell advised that this is a matter of public record and it is believed to be an electrical fire that started accidentally. Cllr Hannell commended the work of the staff and that the Council has been able to provide support.
The Chair thanked Cllr Hannell for supporting the surgery.
Cllr Patterson asked if any prescribing issues have been addressed. Cllr Hannell confirmed that there has been no impact on patient services as the 13 doctor rooms and one waiting area were left undamaged. On advanced care, Cllr Hannell stated that medical staff have confirmed that there has been no impact on the care they can provide for patients.
Cllr Madden provided an update on Gade Tower and advised that she is working with residents as well as the headteacher at Nash Mills School, who contacted the councillor to raise his concerns regarding the mental and physical wellbeing of residents at Gade Tower. Cllr Madden advised that Gade Tower is in a poor state with black mould in bedrooms, a ventilation system that draws smoke from other flats into children's bedrooms at night, and resident children have poor school attendance rates due to ongoing chest infections. Cllr Madden explained that she is currently drafting an email to the Dacorum housing team to ask when action will be taken to move families out and make the building safe and habitable.
The death of a child in Rochdale due to effects of black mould was referred to. JDoe advised that the housing team has reviewed if there are any issues in Dacorum properties. Cllr Madden confirmed that the team have surveyed all properties several weeks ago and that she has not received a further update. Cllr Madden advised that one family in the worst affected flat is being moved out and she is receiving daily messages from residents asking for further updates. JDoe confirmed that he would look to get an update from the housing team to be circulated to the Committee.