News

Patients coming to ‘real harm’

Published

10 years ago

December 1, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Appointmens system breaking down: many people are losing their
sight because of delayed or cancelled appointments

AT LEAST four people a month are losing their sight in Wales because of delayed and cancelled appointments. In a report commissioned by RNIB Cymru doctors are saying that the appointments system is breaking down and unable to cope with the demand. The report makes a conservative estimate that 48 people a year are losing their sight because of delays in follow up appointments.

An ageing population, more treatment options and an increase in some underlying causes of sight loss, such as diabetes and obesity, have caused an increase in demand for ophthalmology appointments. Targets set by the Welsh Government mean that priority is given to the first appointment which means that patients who need follow up appointments and treatments often have to wait much longer than they should.

In that time their sight can deteriorate rapidly without the appropriate treatment. RNIB Cymru is concerned that systems within the NHS will not allow consultants to prioritise patients according to their clinical need. Hospitals are also failing to accurately record how many patients are losing their sight while waiting for an appointment. Ceri Jackson, Director of RNIB Cymru said, “It is a scandal that so many people are losing their sight because of delayed or cancelled appointments and that only one health board in Wales could tell us how many people had lost their sight.

Pressure to meet waiting time targets for new patients is putting vital follow up appointments at risk. Welsh Government and Health Boards need to undertake a comprehensive review of capacity and demand and to take immediate steps to clear the backlog of patients waiting to be seen by ophthalmology services.” RNIB Cymru wants to see new systems put in place to ensure eye clinics have the appropriate information to prioritise appointments in line with clinical need and not waiting time targets. It is also of vital importance that patients are informed of the risks to their sight if their appointments are delayed or cancelled.

Investment is also needed in IT systems in order to develop innovative solutions, such as virtual clinics. The President of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, Professor Caroline MacEwen said, “This report highlights an area of grave concern, in that patients who are within the health care system are being lost and coming to harm. There is a pressing need to protect follow up patients who have known eye diseases with a waiting time “target”, just as applies to new patients, coupled with the collection of accurate data on such delays. The prevention of avoidable sight loss should be an area of priority for all involved in eyecare.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.