HYWEL DDA University Health Board is urging people with respiratory or gastric symptoms – such as flu or gastroenteritis – to avoid visiting friends and relatives in hospital to help prevent the spread of infection.

The health board says anyone feeling unwell should stay away from all hospital sites. This includes people with flu-like symptoms, respiratory infections, or anyone who has had diarrhoea or vomiting within the last forty-eight hours.

The same advice applies to those who have recently been in close contact with someone showing these symptoms. Rebecca Richards, Head of Infection Prevention at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said:

“We always like to welcome visitors to our hospitals, and a visit can be very beneficial to patients. However, illnesses such as flu, diarrhoea and vomiting pass easily from one person to another, and at this time of year these viruses circulate more frequently in the community.

“They can be serious for sick and vulnerable patients, so I would urge people not to visit at this time if you are unwell or have recently experienced these illnesses. It’s important to be completely free of symptoms before coming in.”

Anyone who has a hospital appointment and has experienced diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or flu-like symptoms in the past forty-eight hours is asked to contact the number on their appointment letter to check whether the appointment is urgent or can be safely rescheduled.

Further infection prevention advice is available on the Hywel Dda University Health Board website.

Scammers threaten to ‘remove people from practice lists’ in new phone fraud

A WARNING has been issued after reports of a new scam in which fraudsters pretend to be calling from the NHS, telling people they must “update their GP records” or risk being removed from their doctor’s patient list.

The automated calls appear to come from ordinary UK mobile numbers. Patients are told they must act immediately or face being struck off. Health officials have confirmed the calls are entirely fraudulent.

The NHS has stressed it will never phone patients to demand updates to their records, threaten removal from a GP list, or ask for personal or bank details.

Cybersecurity specialist Javvad Malik said the scam works because it plays on people’s trust and sense of urgency. “When you hear something about your GP records, it sounds official,” he said. “If you’re busy, you may react before you have the chance to think. Never share personal or payment details with an unsolicited caller.”

What to do if you receive one of these calls
• Do not respond to any of the instructions.
• Hang up straight away.
• Contact your GP practice using the number on its official website or your appointment letters.
• Never click on links or call any numbers given in a suspicious message.

If you have already engaged with the scam
• Tell your GP practice what happened so they can reassure you that no action is needed.
• If you disclosed bank information, contact your bank immediately.
• Change any passwords you reused and enable two-factor authentication.
• Report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
• Be cautious of any further suspicious calls, texts or emails.

Patients across the UK are being urged to stay alert and warn family members, particularly older or vulnerable people, who may be more likely to engage with an automated call.

A HAVERFORDWEST opticians has been recognised as one of Wales’ leading optical practices after being shortlisted for eight awards at the Optometry Wales Awards 2025.

Specsavers Haverfordwest, which is locally owned and run, is a finalist across categories including Multiple Practice of the Year, Technology Practice of the Year and Collaborative Working. These nominations reflect its commitment to delivering outstanding service, patient experience and innovation.

The store has also been shortlisted for Sustainability Practice of the Year, following its gold award in the Greener Primary Care Wales Framework and Award Scheme last year, which recognised its dedication to reducing its environmental impact.

‘We’re thrilled to be recognised in so many categories this year,’ says Wayne Jones, retail director at Specsavers Haverfordwest.

‘It’s a testament to the hard work of our entire team and the care we deliver every day to people across Pembrokeshire. Being finalists in eight different categories really shows the breadth of our expertise – from clinical leadership to customer service – and we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved together.’

Several of the store’s employees have also been individually shortlisted:

• Andy Britton, specialist optometrist and ophthalmic director – Optometrist of the Year
• Chris Rosser, optical assistant – Optical Assistant of the Year
• Samantha Houghton, contact lens optician – Contact Lens Optician of the Year
• Alex O’Brien, dispensing technician – Rising Star

In 2023, director Andy Britton was awarded a medal by Specsavers founders Doug and Mary Perkins in recognition of his clinical excellence.

Mr Britton says: ‘It’s fantastic to be shortlisted for Optometrist of the Year, but what makes me most proud is seeing so many of my colleagues recognised too. This is a reflection of the dedication, innovation and care shown across our whole team.’

The winners will be announced at the Optometry Wales Awards ceremony in Cardiff on 29 November.

Specsavers Haverfordwest is open seven days a week. To find out more information about Specsavers in Haverfordwest, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest. 

Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.