News

Nursing students’ high-tech help for hospital patients

Published

4 years ago

February 19, 2021

PATIENTS at a west Wales hospital have been given a helping hand to stay in touch with loved ones by Swansea University nursing students.

The students were eager to help after hearing how difficult it was for patients to stay in touch with their families with the pandemic preventing hospital visits.

The group, all first-year adult nursing students, set about trying to raise £1,000 to buy additional iPads for the Sunderland Ward at South Pembrokeshire Hospital in Pembroke Dock.

But they ended up smashing their target and collected more than £2,400 by holding a raffle of items and services donated by local companies.

Shannon John, Ruth Morgan, Lisa Prest, Shanice Riley, Anna Griffiths and Aneesah Akbar, all come from Pembrokeshire, and study at Swansea University’s St David’s Park Campus.

The friends hatched the fundraising plan after Anna and Ruth spent time on placement at the community hospital.

Shannon said: “When they were there, they could see how difficult it was for patients to stay in touch with loved ones.

“The ward only had a couple of iPads which had to be shared among the patients.

“So, we decided to do something about it. We are a good team and worked so well together, setting this up. We ended up being able to stage online raffle with around 30 great prizes.”

Shannon said the total was also boosted with a £500 donation from Milford Haven Port Authority.

“We wanted to help because some patients hadn’t been able to contact their family since the pandemic started and we are just happy we could do something practical,” she added. “We are thrilled we had such a great response.”

Jayne Cutter, Head of Nursing at Swansea University, said she was hugely impressed by the group’s efforts: “Being in hospital is stressful at the best of times, but being in hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic is even more so. The support of families and friends can make a massive difference to patients’ well-being and visiting time is the highlight of their day.

“Restrictions on hospital visiting due to coronavirus have meant that many patients have missed that vital support. Not everyone has access to the technology to keep in touch remotely.

“The iPads have now been bought and are in use allowing patients to maintain vital contact with their loved ones. They have also planned further fundraising activities for the forthcoming year.

“A nursing degree is challenging and the pressures of attending placements during the pandemic are immense. The fact that they showed such compassion speaks volumes about the values they hold and I’m sure they are going to be an asset to the nursing profession.”

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

37 mins ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

14 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

14 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.