Current Affairs

[Onelife]

Well, the first visit since March completed and our worst fears came to fruition.
Only Mrs B allowed in.
On arrival, taken to the garden area where they bought mum out to.
Unfortunately she didn’t have a clue who her daughter was.
Mrs B even lifted her mask so mum could see her face but still no joy.
She only stayed about 25 mins because it was impossible to have a conversation.
As she left she said , I love you mum and she replied, that’s nice dear.
We came away absolutely broken.
That’s now the end of our relationship as we knew it.
I think we’ll leave it a few weeks before going down again.
Truly heartbreaking but we have to accept it is what it is.

That’s very sad Barney…whilst she's not there in the present the past is what makes us care…some happy memories I’m sure.

[Mervyn and Trish]

So sad Barney. We had the experience of Trish's mum with dementia in a care home but at least we had the chance to see her when we wished.

[barney]

Cheers guys.
Mrs B describes it as a very slow deflation of a balloon and in the end, the balloon remains but the interior is gone.
We knew this day was coming but that doesn’t make it easier.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Testing. It's a big failure apparently. Yes a number of people are having trouble accessing tests. But why?

Here are some interesting facts. Our failing system is testing more people per million population than any other major European country. Including more than Spain, Italy, Germany and France. Dreadful failure.

On 10th September, we tested 227,465 people and 2,963 of them were positive. 1.3%.

On 25th March, as case were rising as now, we tested 59,633 people and 2,694 were positive. 4.5%.

That says to me two things. We are testing far more people, just in case, rather than because they are symptomatic. Since people have gone back to work and school probably. Which is what is straining the system in my view. As cases rise we may have to be more selective in whom we test.

The second thing is that if we had been testing at the level we now are back in March the number of positives would have been much higher. So although the current situation is not great and going in the wrong direction it's not yet as bad as it was by quite a long way.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Cheers guys.
Mrs B describes it as a very slow deflation of a balloon and in the end, the balloon remains but the interior is gone.
We knew this day was coming but that doesn’t make it easier.

That pretty much describes how it felt to us Barney. When she finally died it was almost a relief. The person we knew and loved had left us a few years before.

[Mervyn and Trish]

A plea for advice please. Rather than wait until December and tell us we locked down too late (when I will use the hindsight word again) would those with better insight and skill than the government please let me know as soon as they believe I should lockdown? Tell me straight away. I'd hate to miss the boat.

[barney]

It’s a tough call isn’t it Merv.
I was reading an article last week that tried to break it all down statistically and it was very interesting if totally accurate.
Basically, it said that out of 45k plus fatalities, 20 k plus were the ultra vulnerable in care homes.
Of the remainder, the vast majority had existing serious and semi serious medical conditions.
Then add in the BAME issue that is for now inexplicable.
The calculation was that the amount of fatalities among the previously healthy population is really low in percentage wise.

[Gill W]

Well, the first visit since March completed and our worst fears came to fruition.
Only Mrs B allowed in.
On arrival, taken to the garden area where they bought mum out to.
Unfortunately she didn’t have a clue who her daughter was.
Mrs B even lifted her mask so mum could see her face but still no joy.
She only stayed about 25 mins because it was impossible to have a conversation.
As she left she said , I love you mum and she replied, that’s nice dear.
We came away absolutely broken.
That’s now the end of our relationship as we knew it.
I think we’ll leave it a few weeks before going down again.
Truly heartbreaking but we have to accept it is what it is.

Oh no. That is so horrible to deal with. It reminds me of what happened with my mum. She forgot I was her daughter, and thought that I was her sister for a while. Then she didn't really know who I was, but I always got the sense she knew I was someone special to her. Dementia is so cruel

[oldbluefox]

Well, the first visit since March completed and our worst fears came to fruition.
Only Mrs B allowed in.
On arrival, taken to the garden area where they bought mum out to.
Unfortunately she didn’t have a clue who her daughter was.
Mrs B even lifted her mask so mum could see her face but still no joy.
She only stayed about 25 mins because it was impossible to have a conversation.
As she left she said , I love you mum and she replied, that’s nice dear.
We came away absolutely broken.
That’s now the end of our relationship as we knew it.
I think we’ll leave it a few weeks before going down again.
Truly heartbreaking but we have to accept it is what it is.

So sorry to hear that barney. Dementia/Alzheimers is such a cruel disease especially for those it leaves behind. My uncle (for whom we had POA) had it and the lady over the road's husband has it. He is now in a care home having become violent, something he would never have done under normal circumstances. The last time she saw him on a visit to the care home he didn't recognise her, got up and walked off. It's a terrible situation but on a brighter note she said she was pleased he is not yearning to come home and is settled. Little consolation after 56 years of marriage.

[Gill W]

A plea for advice please. Rather than wait until December and tell us we locked down too late (when I will use the hindsight word again) would those with better insight and skill than the government please let me know as soon as they believe I should lockdown? Tell me straight away. I'd hate to miss the boat.

In the absence of government advice, it's up to you to decide.

[barney]

A plea for advice please. Rather than wait until December and tell us we locked down too late (when I will use the hindsight word again) would those with better insight and skill than the government please let me know as soon as they believe I should lockdown? Tell me straight away. I'd hate to miss the boat.

In the absence of government advice, it's up to you to decide.

Sound advice.
Do what's best for you !

[Gill W]

Testing. It's a big failure apparently. Yes a number of people are having trouble accessing tests. But why?

Here are some interesting facts. Our failing system is testing more people per million population than any other major European country. Including more than Spain, Italy, Germany and France. Dreadful failure.

On 10th September, we tested 227,465 people and 2,963 of them were positive. 1.3%.

On 25th March, as case were rising as now, we tested 59,633 people and 2,694 were positive. 4.5%.

That says to me two things. We are testing far more people, just in case, rather than because they are symptomatic. Since people have gone back to work and school probably. Which is what is straining the system in my view. As cases rise we may have to be more selective in whom we test.

The second thing is that if we had been testing at the level we now are back in March the number of positives would have been much higher. So although the current situation is not great and going in the wrong direction it's not yet as bad as it was by quite a long way.

Is that actual people, or tests? I've lost track a bit, but they were counting the nose swab and the throat swab as two different tests, even though they were administered to the same individual person

[Gill W]

A plea for advice please. Rather than wait until December and tell us we locked down too late (when I will use the hindsight word again) would those with better insight and skill than the government please let me know as soon as they believe I should lockdown? Tell me straight away. I'd hate to miss the boat.

In the absence of government advice, it's up to you to decide.

Sound advice.
Do what's best for you !

What else can you do?

I've been using this small window of opportunity for some days out, now that the children are back at school. But winter is coming, so I'm keeping an eye on local infection rates, and if they start to rise, then I will be more likely to stay at home.

[barney]

Well, the first visit since March completed and our worst fears came to fruition.
Only Mrs B allowed in.
On arrival, taken to the garden area where they bought mum out to.
Unfortunately she didn’t have a clue who her daughter was.
Mrs B even lifted her mask so mum could see her face but still no joy.
She only stayed about 25 mins because it was impossible to have a conversation.
As she left she said , I love you mum and she replied, that’s nice dear.
We came away absolutely broken.
That’s now the end of our relationship as we knew it.
I think we’ll leave it a few weeks before going down again.
Truly heartbreaking but we have to accept it is what it is.

So sorry to hear that barney. Dementia/Alzheimers is such a cruel disease especially for those it leaves behind. My uncle (for whom we had POA) had it and the lady over the road's husband has it. He is now in a care home having become violent, something he would never have done under normal circumstances. The last time she saw him on a visit to the care home he didn't recognise her, got up and walked off. It's a terrible situation but on a brighter note she said she was pleased he is not yearning to come home and is settled. Little consolation after 56 years of marriage.

What's more heart breaking Foxy is that she was so vibrant previously.
A bit of a nutter to be honest, who was fantastic company.
She used to come and stay with us when we lived in Kent about four times a year and every single visit was a blast.
We really looked forward to it.
We lived in a village (was then) called Harrietsham up on the Pilgrims Way and would walk for hours with the old dog

She was the carer for Mrs B's dad who was in quite poor health when it became apparent all was not right during phone calls culminating in an incident that caused her to go into a home and him to have home carers come in.
He ultimately ended up in a care home as well but fortunately for him, didn't last long after that.

All I think is what a horrible way to end your life.
I was quite fortunate with my own parents as both went quite quickly after short illness.
This is just death by a thousand cuts.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Is that actual people, or tests?

The current figure is actual people whose tests have been processed.

I've lost track a bit, but they were counting the nose swab and the throat swab as two different tests, even though they were administered to the same individual person

No they weren't. That is a myth. If it were true the number of tests would have been at least twice the number of people and it never has been.

Some people did have two complete tests because one gave an inconclusive result. And some tests were sent out but never analysed because people never returned them. Hence the difference in the two numbers. They explained all that but maybe you missed it.

They now announce the available test capacity and the number of people actually tested, the latter only only when the results are back. So there is still a difference because some people still have to be tested twice because of inconclusive results. But the bottom line in my numbers is actual people tested and analysed.

[Mervyn and Trish]

A plea for advice please. Rather than wait until December and tell us we locked down too late (when I will use the hindsight word again) would those with better insight and skill than the government please let me know as soon as they believe I should lockdown? Tell me straight away. I'd hate to miss the boat.

In the absence of government advice, it's up to you to decide.

Of course it is. But as a number here were apparently more on the ball than the government last time I was hoping they'd share their inside knowledge in a timely manner this time, rather than tell us later.

[screwy]

I’m surprised they don’t run for Parliament.

[Gill W]

Is that actual people, or tests?

The current figure is actual people whose tests have been processed.

I've lost track a bit, but they were counting the nose swab and the throat swab as two different tests, even though they were administered to the same individual person

No they weren't. That is a myth. If it were true the number of tests would have been at least twice the number of people and it never has been.

Some people did have two complete tests because one gave an inconclusive result. And some tests were sent out but never analysed because people never returned them. Hence the difference in the two numbers. They explained all that but maybe you missed it.

They now announce the available test capacity and the number of people actually tested, the latter only only when the results are back. So there is still a difference because some people still have to be tested twice because of inconclusive results. But the bottom line in my numbers is actual people tested and analysed.

I’m sorry, I’m not convinced.

I can see where you have got your figure of 227,645 from, and it clearly says that the figure is tests (all pillars), not people.

The graphs that show the pillar test figures are noted to say that these are a count of test results and may include multiple tests for an individual person.

But does it really matter if it’s people or tests?

The main thing is, there seems to be a problem with the system. Some people are struggling to get a test when they need one. The website gives availability in Scotland for people who live in the south coast. People can’t get through on the help line. People who have jumped through all these hoops just turn up at their local testing site in desperation find the sites completely empty and the operatives twiddling their thumbs - but still can’t get a test because they haven’t got a QR code. Tests are backing up at the laboratories.

All this needs to be resolved ASAP. It doesn’t have to be world beating. Just functional

[towny44]

Is that actual people, or tests?

The current figure is actual people whose tests have been processed.

I've lost track a bit, but they were counting the nose swab and the throat swab as two different tests, even though they were administered to the same individual person

No they weren't. That is a myth. If it were true the number of tests would have been at least twice the number of people and it never has been.

Some people did have two complete tests because one gave an inconclusive result. And some tests were sent out but never analysed because people never returned them. Hence the difference in the two numbers. They explained all that but maybe you missed it.

They now announce the available test capacity and the number of people actually tested, the latter only only when the results are back. So there is still a difference because some people still have to be tested twice because of inconclusive results. But the bottom line in my numbers is actual people tested and analysed.

I’m sorry, I’m not convinced.

I can see where you have got your figure of 227,645 from, and it clearly says that the figure is tests (all pillars), not people.

The graphs that show the pillar test figures are noted to say that these are a count of test results and may include multiple tests for an individual person.

But does it really matter if it’s people or tests?

The main thing is, there seems to be a problem with the system. Some people are struggling to get a test when they need one. The website gives availability in Scotland for people who live in the south coast. People can’t get through on the help line. People who have jumped through all these hoops just turn up at their local testing site in desperation find the sites completely empty and the operatives twiddling their thumbs - but still can’t get a test because they haven’t got a QR code. Tests are backing up at the laboratories.

All this needs to be resolved ASAP. It doesn’t have to be world beating. Just functional

I agree Gill there is a problem and no one in govt seems to be saying what it is, what percentage are affected and iwhen will be resolved. However the media should be trying to find answers to the above, rather than just scouring the country finding new people who are disgruntled because they can't get a test.
.

[Manoverboard]

All I think is what a horrible way to end your life.
I was quite fortunate with my own parents as both went quite quickly after short illness.
This is just death by a thousand cuts.

It's a lottery isn't it, we can all but hope that when our own time comes we pass away peacefully in our sleep but sadly life isn't like that. My old Mum reportedly had 31 of the 34 symptoms of Mad Cow disease and nearly blew herself and her neighbours into the stratosphere by leaving the oven and gas fire on without remembering to light them. Only the timely arrival of her morning carer saved her life and a number of small children in the adjoining property. By lunchtime the same day she was deposited into a home by Social Services but not a very pleasant one. We fought the fight and managed to secure a room for her in a lovely new facility near to where she went to school ... perfect we thought but not so as she died three months later. For us all it was a very difficult period and a blessed relief when she passed away.

Do your best to remember the happy times and realise that she has no control of how she is this day.

[oldbluefox]

Apparently there are people turning up at test centres with a bit of a sniffle demanding a test. There are others booking a test who are just looking for reassurance and don't have symptoms. One chap on the radio this morning was hunting around for a test because he was having 'major' surgery on Friday. The 'major' surgery was having a pacemaker fitted which, in medical terms is a procedure and not considered 'major'. Iwould have thought his test would have been organised by the hospital anyway.
On the other side of the coin there is evidence that people are turning up at the test centre to find none of the operatives doing anything but still they cannot get a test. Seems to me a case of jobsworths sticking by the rules. I also wonder if, in these cases, there is a problem with the software showing the centres are full when, in fact they are not.
Another lady paid £150 for a private test. What do they do which values a test at £150 which, she said, merely put her to the front of the queue? And because she jumps the queue it means others move one place back.
It is all a mixed picture to be honest but how true I do not know.
I had a Covid test before my 'procedure', all organised by the hospital and it was the same swab which went to the back of the throat as went up the nose. Having had the test I am not sure how well administered home tests are conducted. You have to be pretty brave to push the swab as far back in the throat and nose to make it effective.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I’m sorry, I’m not convinced.

I can see where you have got your figure of 227,645 from, and it clearly says that the figure is tests (all pillars), not people.

My apologies, yes you are right.

However my other points remain valid. It is a myth that the swab is counted twice. They have clearly said that and have explained why some people need more than one test. Tests are now only counted when they are processed, not when they are sent out to people who never return them. The number of tests have increased dramatically over the period, with capacity now more than three times what the critics said they wouldn't achieve. The rate of positives has fallen because many more people without symptoms are now being tested. And we are conducting more tests than any other major country in Europe.

Yes there are issues that need fixing. Probably by once again prioritising tests on those who actually need them, rather than the free for all we've had while demand was low. At which time people were being tested just because they wanted to go on holiday and we had at least one example of a school head sending every pupil and member of staff for a test, just in case.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Apparently there are people turning up at test centres with a bit of a sniffle demanding a test. There are others booking a test who are just looking for reassurance and don't have symptoms. One chap on the radio this morning was hunting around for a test because he was having 'major' surgery on Friday. The 'major' surgery was having a pacemaker fitted which, in medical terms is a procedure and not considered 'major'. Iwould have thought his test would have been organised by the hospital anyway.

I can vouch for that. I have to go into hospital for a day or two soon and they have already given me an appointment for a test, at the hospital, three days before. Hospitals require a test to protect themselves and other patients and they arrange it.

[Stephen]

Apparently there are people turning up at test centres with a bit of a sniffle demanding a test. There are others booking a test who are just looking for reassurance and don't have symptoms. One chap on the radio this morning was hunting around for a test because he was having 'major' surgery on Friday. The 'major' surgery was having a pacemaker fitted which, in medical terms is a procedure and not considered 'major'. Iwould have thought his test would have been organised by the hospital anyway.
On the other side of the coin there is evidence that people are turning up at the test centre to find none of the operatives doing anything but still they cannot get a test. Seems to me a case of jobsworths sticking by the rules. I also wonder if, in these cases, there is a problem with the software showing the centres are full when, in fact they are not.
Another lady paid £150 for a private test. What do they do which values a test at £150 which, she said, merely put her to the front of the queue? And because she jumps the queue it means others move one place back.
It is all a mixed picture to be honest but how true I do not know.
I had a Covid test before my 'procedure', all organised by the hospital and it was the same swab which went to the back of the throat as went up the nose. Having had the test I am not sure how well administered home tests are conducted. You have to be pretty brave to push the swab as far back in the throat and nose to make it effective.

Hope they swabbed the back of the throat first Foxy

[Onelife]

Apparently there are people turning up at test centres with a bit of a sniffle demanding a test. There are others booking a test who are just looking for reassurance and don't have symptoms. One chap on the radio this morning was hunting around for a test because he was having 'major' surgery on Friday. The 'major' surgery was having a pacemaker fitted which, in medical terms is a procedure and not considered 'major'. Iwould have thought his test would have been organised by the hospital anyway.
On the other side of the coin there is evidence that people are turning up at the test centre to find none of the operatives doing anything but still they cannot get a test. Seems to me a case of jobsworths sticking by the rules. I also wonder if, in these cases, there is a problem with the software showing the centres are full when, in fact they are not.
Another lady paid £150 for a private test. What do they do which values a test at £150 which, she said, merely put her to the front of the queue? And because she jumps the queue it means others move one place back.
It is all a mixed picture to be honest but how true I do not know.
I had a Covid test before my 'procedure', all organised by the hospital and it was the same swab which went to the back of the throat as went up the nose. Having had the test I am not sure how well administered home tests are conducted. You have to be pretty brave to push the swab as far back in the throat and nose to make it effective.

Hope they swabbed the back of the throat first Foxy

Nice one snotty