Community

West Wales residents put caring staff at top of their hospital wish list

Published

11 years ago

January 6, 2014

PEOPLE across West Wales have voted ‘caring staff’ as the most important element when staying in hospital.

A new survey, conducted by BMI Werndale Hospital in West Wales, focused on attitude towards caring for others and how people view professions that deliver care.

The survey also indicates how social media is fast becoming the most popular way to stay in touch with people.

With just days until Christmas, the ‘Care’ survey revealed there is plenty to be cheery about as we head into the season of good will, as residents across West Wales believe people would be prepared to perform a selfless act to help someone else. Of those surveyed 67% believed most people would help someone who had fallen in the street. It seems there are some favourite ways for people in West Wales to reach out to someone to show they care. 13% said they would ‘ask someone if they were ok or how they were feeling’, 13% said they would be a good listener, but it was giving someone a hug that came out on top with 27%.

The survey highlighted how we look to certain professions to deliver care when it is needed. Nursing proved to be the profession that is most associated with care 53%, with other caring professions including firefighters (20%) and paramedics (6.7%).

Director of Nursing at BMI Werndale Hospital, Gaynor Llewelyn said: “The survey reveals some reassuring information about the community where we live and work. It is good to know that residents across West Wales believe reaching out to others is still an important part of their busy lives.”

Those who responded to the survey were very clear about the most important requirement during a stay in hospital. Whilst 20% said they would look for clean facilities, 80% said it was the caring staff that was their most important requirement.

Something 76 year-old Elaine Rees from Llanelli can relate to during her recent stay at BMI Werndale Hospital. Having been admitted for a total hip replacement operation, Elaine was so impressed with the care received, she wanted to show some appreciation so wrote to the team to say thank you:

“I was so impressed with how I was looked after, it really was incredible. The staff throughout the hospital put me at my ease and made my stay at BMI Werndale Hospital extremely comfortable and as worry free as a stay in hospital can be. It was so important to my recovery following the operation; I can’t thank the team enough.”

Gaynor Llewellyn said: “It is always such an amazing gesture for a patient like Elaine to take the time to say thank you to our staff. We never take thank you letters for granted. Everyone in the hospital is made aware of the kind words people express.”

Gaynor added: “It has to be recognised that although our nurses are incredibly caring, the care delivered to our patients is extended throughout the hospital by ALL of our staff. From our receptionists who greet our patients through to the catering staff; everybody here at BMI Werndale Hospital is passionate about care and goes above and beyond to try and make every patient’s stay here as comfortable as possible.

The latest patient survey results for BMI Werndale Hospital speak for themselves with 97% of patients rating the nursing care received at the hospital as either excellent or very good.

Executive Director, Caroline Daymond said: “The patient survey stands as a great insight into how we all perform. We are very proud of our hospital and we make it our priority to work as hard as possible to make each patient’s journey through the hospital as smooth and as compassionate as possible. The results around care are an important indicator of how well we perform across the hospital and we monitor the results very closely.

I would like to thank the team for the continued hard work and for the energy they give. It is also important to realise the need to build on this, which is something we’ll be aiming to do throughout 2014.”

With Christmas fast approaching, it seems the spirit of good will is alive and well in West Wales. The survey revealed when it comes to donating to charity there were multiple ways people donate with 73% of responders saying they would give money. Other ways of donating included:

Time (13%)

Unwanted items (73%)

It seems people across West Wales also believe Wales is the most caring region in the UK with 73%.

The survey revealed how modern forms of communication are becoming ever more important in our lives with 60% saying they are aware if people are struggling or need help through social media. 27% of people chose to stay in touch with friends and neighbours by mobile telephone.

Others included:

Popping around for a chat (33%)

Text / What’s App (26%).

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

7 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.

Community

Milford Haven’s heartwarming ‘Christmas Together’ event another success

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN came together once again on Christmas Day for the annual ‘Christmas Together’ event, a cherished tradition that has been running since December 2012.

Organised by Mayor Cllr William Elliott and his consort Lloyd Jones, alongside Cllr Colin Sharp and the dedicated Christmas Together Committee, the event provided warmth, community spirit, and festive cheer to those who might otherwise spend the day alone.

Volunteers played an essential role, with special thanks extended to Claire and her kitchen team, who prepared and served a delicious Christmas meal for all attendees. Milford Haven Town Band added a festive soundtrack to the day, while support from Milford Haven Fire Station and numerous volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly.

The event, which aims to combat loneliness during what can be a difficult time of year for many, was described as a resounding success. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who donated money, items, and their time to make the day special.

A spokesperson for the event said: “As another year closes, we would like to thank all those that made Christmas Together 2024 so amazing. Great day, great company, and so good to see the community working together.”

Special recognition was also given to Marble Hall Mini Market for their kind donation of a festive hamper.

The Christmas Together raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the day, with generous donations from supporters.

A special thank you was extended to Mariam Dalziel and the team from South Hook for kindly donating an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet as one of the raffle prizes. Other prizes included a hamper of wine, a tower of temptation (chocolates and Prosecco), chocolate tub hampers, and many more.

Preparations for the event began well in advance, with invitations being posted on Saturday, 26th October 2024. The dedicated team behind this effort included Leanne from Milford Haven Post Office, Mayor Cllr William Elliott, Cllr Guy Woodham (Founder and Chair of Christmas Together), and Cllr Colin Sharp (Committee Member and Chair of the Pill Social Centre).

The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community spirit in Milford Haven, with attendees leaving with full hearts and warm smiles.

Merry Christmas to all from the Christmas Together team!

Community

Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Tenby, Councillor Dai Morgan, has delivered a warm and heartfelt Christmas message to the community.

Cllr Morgan praised the town’s ‘resilient and united’ spirit, reflecting on the ‘kindness and generosity’ that have defined Tenby throughout the year. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering community support that continues to make the town ‘a truly special place to call home.’

Acknowledging the challenges many families face this year, including the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising energy costs, Cllr Morgan encouraged residents to embrace the core values of the festive season: peace, compassion, and hope.

“Christmas is a time to come together, to reflect on what truly matters, and to share moments of joy and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

The mayor extended his heartfelt thanks to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe and supported over the festive season. This included the police, RNLI, health services, fire crews, HM Coastguard, carers, and all frontline workers.

He also highlighted the vital contributions of Tenby’s voluntary organisations, who continue to bring comfort and joy to those who may feel isolated or face hardship during the holidays.

“Without the dedication and compassion of our voluntary groups, our town would lose so much of its heart. Their efforts make a real difference, and they deserve our gratitude and support every single day,” Cllr Morgan added.

Reflecting on the year gone by, he shared how humbled he felt meeting so many inspiring individuals who contribute to the town’s rich tapestry of community life. Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism and a renewed sense of gratitude for his family, friends, and colleagues.

Cllr Morgan concluded his message with warm wishes for the season:

“May this Christmas bring you moments of happiness, peace, and togetherness. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.”