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MS team make life easier for patients

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Morriston-HospitalA TEAM based at Morriston Hospital has tapped into technology to allow patients to ‘attend’ clinics without leaving home.

Getting to hospital for appointments is not always easy for anyone living in rural areas – and even more so for those with multiple sclerosis.

Now the regional MS team has won a prestigious award for making access much easier through the use of smart phones and tablets.

The team may be based in Morriston but it covers the ABMU and Hywel Dda areas, looking after people living as far north as Ceredigion.

Video conferencing facilities have been used for many years to allow Morriston staff to hold clinics in Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth.

This was increased in 2012 with the support of the MS Society, reducing traveling time and costs for the clinicians – but with no additional benefit to patients as they still had to get to Bronglais.

Last year, with the support of a pharmaceutical company, the team piloted the use of iPads for patients to have a consultation from either their home or their place of work.

Lead MS specialist nurse Helen Owen said: “When people with MS first start on disease modifying therapy they need to be seen regularly for blood monitoring. We also need to be sure their injection sites are okay and that they are tolerating their treatment well. They are seen one month after they start, then eight weeks after that and then three months so it’s a big commitment to make. We run clinics in Bronglais Hospital and have outreach clinics in other locations but that still means the patient has to travel. If they live in rural areas the condition of the roads could make attendance difficult, then there is their disability to consider.”

The pharmaceutical company’s support meant the team was able to buy iPads, which can be used to link with the patient’s tablet or phone.

Helen said: “Patients go to their local hospital or GP to have their bloods taken. We can then use the iPads to have a chat with them. If they are having problems with their injection sites, for example, they can show us. It’s much easier for them. One patient who is in work was able to have her review using the iPad from her office so she didn’t even have to take any time off.”

The service is available to patients in both ABMU and Hywel Dda health board areas. Surveys have confirmed they were all either satisfied or very satisfied with their experience.

Nicola Jones, from Llanelli, said: “It was great to not have the hassle of driving to clinic and find parking. Also, I had my consultation while I was at work so there was very little down time.”

The MS team has now won the best poster award at the national MS Trust Conference for its work developing the iPad clinics.

Dr Owen Pearson, consultant neurologist and clinical lead, said: “This is an important advance in developing both a patient centred and responsive service, as well as improving efficacy. The recent MS society report My MS, My Needs raised the difficulties people with MS living in rural areas face in accessing specialist services. The introduction of modern technology into clinical practice has improved this access.”

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Teenage girl dies after medical emergency at Welsh rugby club

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A TEENGAGE girl has tragically died following a medical emergency at Amman United Rugby Football Club in Ammanford on Friday evening (Nov 15).

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to the scene, where the teenager became unwell. She was taken to hospital but, despite advanced medical efforts, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.” The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.

The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance, stating that emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:55pm.

A spokesperson said: “We sent an emergency ambulance, supported by a Community First Responder and Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedics. Advanced critical care was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, with support from the Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter.”

As a mark of respect, Amman United Rugby Football Club postponed all games over the weekend. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the club said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the club will be closed, and all games are postponed, out of respect.”

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Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death

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MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described as relentless online bullying. The inquest, held today, heard how Megan had attended a school meeting about a trip to France earlier that evening and appeared in good spirits.

Later that night, her parents left for Cardiff with her four youngest siblings while the four older siblings stayed at home. At 9:59pm, Megan’s brother called their parents, unable to find her in the house. His father told him to continue searching, and Megan was discovered in a locked upstairs bathroom. Despite the efforts of her family, paramedics, and hospital staff, Megan could not be saved.

A statement from her family described Megan as an intelligent, kind, and vibrant teenager. “She had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone,” the statement read. “She bought love and laughter into our home and was always full of energy. Her friends adored her, and she always stood up for what she believed in.”

The inquest was told Megan was a talented artist and hockey player who had been looking forward to attending a Justin Bieber concert. She was deeply loved by her family, who said she “poured so much love into everything and everyone around her.”

Megan’s mother, Nicola Harteveld, has previously spoken openly about the struggles her daughter faced in silence.

Nicola admitted she hadn’t recognised the signs of Megan’s distress at the time, including disrupted sleep and a secretive attachment to her phone.

In the years following Megan’s death, Nicola has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health and the dangers of social media bullying. She founded the Megan’s Starr Foundation, which provides free professional counseling and peer support to vulnerable young people in Pembrokeshire.

Nicola reflected: “I see things now that I didn’t understand back then. I thought mental health struggles were always visible, but I was wrong. Megan was the life and soul of the house, and I never imagined the pain she was in.”

Through campaigns like “Step into January,” Nicola has turned her grief into action, creating a legacy for Megan that focuses on kindness and support for others.

The inquest continues.

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Teen’s tragic death linked to online bullying

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MEGAN EVANS, 14, a talented and kind-hearted teenager from Milford Haven, was found dead at home on February 7, 2017, following what her family believes were bullying messages on social media, an inquest has heard.

Described as intelligent, capable, and full of energy, Megan was a passionate artist, county hockey player, and beloved by her six siblings and parents.

On the night of her death, she had been in good spirits after attending a school meeting about a trip to France.

Later, she was tragically discovered in a locked bathroom at home.

Her family remembered Megan as brave, thoughtful, and endlessly loving, someone who brought joy and positivity to everyone she met. They vowed to honor her memory by promoting kindness and love.

The inquest continues.

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