A SECOND phase of public consultation is to be held on the future of stroke services across Hywel Dda University Health Board’s four main hospitals.

The Health Board endorsed the move today (May 28), as part of its wider Clinical Services Plan, which is looking at fragile hospital services and how care can be made safer, more sustainable, accessible and kind.

At an extraordinary board meeting in February, decisions were made on eight of the nine services being reviewed. However, no final decision was taken on stroke services, after board members agreed that further work and engagement were needed.

The Health Board says its current stroke services do not consistently meet national clinical standards. Services are currently spread across four hospital sites, with no specialist stroke cover available seven days a week, which can affect patient outcomes and recovery.

Since February, further work has been carried out to develop and test a preferred option for stroke services.

The proposal combines elements of two alternative options put forward by communities during the first phase of consultation last summer.

The preferred option includes a 24-hour acute stroke and rehabilitation unit at Glangwili Hospital, a stroke rehabilitation unit at Bronglais Hospital, and treat-and-transfer services at Bronglais, Prince Philip and Withybush hospitals.

Under the model, patients would be transferred to Glangwili Hospital or to a specialist thrombectomy centre where appropriate.

The Board heard that the proposal had been assessed in the same level of detail as previously considered options, met the required criteria, and had support from clinical and operational representatives.

The second phase of consultation will run for eight weeks, from May 28 until July 26.

People will be asked whether they support the preferred option and why. They will also be able to comment on the other options previously considered by the Board, including Option A, Option B, Option 106 and Option 210.

The consultation will also seek views on any other issues that should be considered, including potential impacts on equality and the Welsh language.

Dr Neil Wooding, Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Today’s decision means we can now return to our communities to ask their views on a preferred option. The option was developed using suggestions put forward by our communities in the first place. This is an important step before any final decision on stroke services is made.

“As a Board, we are committed to working together to ensure we provide the best possible care for our patients, including the best outcomes for people who suffer a stroke. Change can be challenging, but we must adapt to ensure our services meet stroke standards and enable people to have the best possible recovery from this life-altering condition.”

The Health Board said a range of engagement opportunities will be offered, including public drop-in events, online sessions, community outreach, hospital site visits, staff briefings and targeted engagement with community groups.

Information will also be made available in accessible formats and different languages.

Mark Henwood, Executive Medical Director, said: “We know how important stroke services are to the people we serve and to our staff. This second phase of consultation represents an important stage in shaping the future of stroke services across Hywel Dda.

“I encourage everyone to get involved – whether by completing the questionnaire or attending one of our events. Your experiences and feedback will play a vital role in helping us make well-informed decisions to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients.”

The Health Board will consider feedback from both phases of the consultation, alongside evidence, data, clinical advice and impact assessments, before making a final decision later this year.

Further information, including event details, the questionnaire and documents in accessible formats and languages, is available on the Health Board’s consultation webpage.

TENBY Freemasons have donated £1,079 to the HOPE MS Therapy Centre in Neyland to fund the purchase of a new therapy couch.

The centre, which has been operating for 40 years, is the only facility of its kind in West Wales and supports patients from Pembrokeshire and beyond.

It provides physical therapy and oxygen therapy for people living with multiple sclerosis, as well as those with other physical conditions and injuries.

The donation followed a request from a Tenby Lodge member involved with the Parkinson’s UK group at Tiers Cross, who became aware of the centre’s need for a new couch after helping take Parkinson’s patients there for therapy.

The matter was raised at a Tenby Lodge meeting, where members quickly agreed to provide the full funding needed.

The new electrically operated couch allows assisted movement of patients directly from a wheelchair when required.

HOPE chairman and lead therapist Simon Wright said: “Following the withdrawal of funding support in recent years it has become increasingly challenging to finance the purchase of new equipment, so we are reliant on organisations like Tenby Freemasons and can’t thank them enough for their generous donation.”

Tenby Lodge charity steward Steve Thurgood said: “I’ve seen first hand the important treatment provided at the HOPE MS Centre and the welcome relief it brings to sufferers, so we are delighted to make a contribution to this facility that offers a valuable service to the community.”

Pictured: From left, are Steve Thurgood, Tenby Lodge Master Damian Brown, Simon Wright, and patient Mark, who is about to receive therapy.

Beachgoers urged to avoid contact with suspicious foam and report pollution concerns

NATURAL RESOURCES WALES has issued summer advice to beachgoers after warning that algal blooms along the coast can often be mistaken for sewage pollution.

The environmental body said it regularly receives reports at this time of year from members of the public concerned about suspected sewage discharges at coastal locations.

However, some of those reports turn out to be the breakdown of algal blooms — a natural seasonal event which becomes more common during warmer, sunnier weather.

The warning is particularly relevant to Pembrokeshire, where thousands of residents and visitors are expected to use beaches, coastal paths and bathing waters over the coming weeks.

Algal blooms usually occur between April and August and can appear as discoloured water, surface scum, foam or long streaks running parallel to the coastline.

NRW said long lines of algal foam can often be seen off headlands, while rough conditions can create thick mats of foam along the shoreline.

But officials have stressed that people should not dismiss all suspicious water conditions as natural.

Storm overflows and sewage discharges can also affect coastal waters, particularly after heavy rain, and members of the public are being urged to report anything they believe may be pollution.

NRW said stormwater overflows tend to cause grey discolouration in the water and often have a visible source, such as a pipe or outfall, where the discolouration is strongest.

Sewage discharges may also contain fats or oils, causing waves to flatten around the affected area, and can sometimes attract flocks of seabirds.

A spokesperson for Natural Resources Wales said: “At this time of year, we often receive reports of suspected sewage pollution along the coast — and these reports can turn out to be the breakdown of algal blooms.

“Coastal algal blooms often become more obvious over the summer months when the weather is warmer and there is more sun.

“It can be difficult to tell the difference between algal blooms and sewage, but there are some key signs that can help.”

NRW is advising the public not to touch algal blooms in the sea, lakes or rivers, as some can be toxic.

Dog owners are also being urged to take care, particularly if animals are likely to drink from or swim in affected water.

Anyone who believes they have seen pollution which is not algae should report it to NRW’s incident line on 03000 65 3000 or online.

The advice comes as Wales enters the busy summer bathing season, with coastal water quality and sewage discharges continuing to be a major public concern.

Pembrokeshire’s beaches are among the county’s most important assets, attracting swimmers, surfers, paddleboarders, walkers and tourists throughout the summer.

NRW said reports from the public remain important and help officers assess potential pollution incidents.

The public is advised to note the location, time, appearance, smell, possible source and, where safe, take photographs or video when reporting suspected pollution.