Health
Tesco becomes first supermarket in Wales to join defibrillator network
TESCO has become the first supermarket in Wales to begin registering its defibrillators to a new national database that could improve cardiac arrest survival rates.
All six Tesco stores in Pembrokeshire have been equipped with the life-saving apparatus, the supermarket firm has confirmed.
With 110 defibrillators in Tesco stores across Wales and around 2,000 others registered in stores across the UK, it is the biggest single addition of defibrillators to the database so far.
The database, called The Circuit: the national defibrillator network, aims to map all defibrillators in locations such as supermarkets, train stations and offices, allowing ambulance services to direct bystanders to the nearest registered defibrillator in an emergency.
There are around 2,800 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Wales each year, but only 1 in 20 people survive. This is partly because public-access defibrillators are used in less than 10 per cent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, with ambulance services often unaware of where they are located.
To help improve these stark survival rates, Tesco is in the process of registering its defibrillators in stores across Wales onto The Circuit, whilst installing hundreds more so that every Tesco store in Wales will have one. This means that if somebody is having a cardiac arrest in or around a Tesco store, the ambulance service will be able to direct 999 callers to the nearest available defibrillator which is registered on The Circuit.
Adam Fletcher, Head of BHF Cymru, said: “We’re thrilled that Tesco are registering all their defibrillators on The Circuit – this could help save lives in the years to come. By ensuring defibrillators are visible to ambulance services in the ultimate medical emergency, Tesco is providing an invaluable service to communities across Wales.
“By registering their defibrillators on The Circuit, Tesco will be joining the fight to improve survival rates. Currently, only 1 in 20 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Wales, and every minute without CPR and defibrillation can reduce the chances of survival by up to 10%, so every second counts when someone has a cardiac arrest.
“We are now urging all organisations that own defibrillators, whether it’s just the one or several, to follow in Tesco’s footsteps by registering them on The Circuit. This simple action could save lives.”
Oonagh Turnbull, Head of Health Campaigns at Tesco, said: “We are proud to have been in partnership with British Heart Foundation since 2015, and we value the opportunity to collaborate. The Lifesavers programme is one of those opportunities. At Tesco, we are passionate about the active role we play in our communities, and in helping our customers when they need us most. By supporting The Circuit and registering all of our defibrillators so emergency services know where the nearest one is, more lives could be saved.”
The Circuit has been developed by the BHF in partnership with Resuscitation Council UK, St John Ambulance Cymru, and the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, including the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
Ambulance services have previously had to rely upon multiple regional databases which had been labour-intensive to maintain. However, The Circuit is a pioneering sophisticated national database that synchronises every 60 seconds with the live dispatch systems of the UK’s ambulance services. This allows ambulance services to direct bystanders to the closest defibrillator in an emergency.
To ensure The Circuit achieves its ambitions, the founding health charities are urging all organisations with defibrillators to register them on the system. There are tens of thousands of defibrillators in locations unknown to the ambulance services, and the BHF has set a goal of seeing 70,000 new defibrillators registered across the UK before the end of the year.
Organisations can bulk upload all their defibrillators in one go. It’s free and quick and easy to do. For more information, please visit TheCircuit.UK
Health
Hywel Dda urges responsible use of ‘under pressure’ A&E service
HYWEL DDA University Health Board is appealing to the public to carefully consider how they access healthcare services as local A&E units, including Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, face increasing pressure.
A spokesperson said: “Our services are under pressure. Please help us to help you by choosing how you access our services carefully, ensuring that emergency departments (A&E) are reserved for urgent or life-threatening care needs.”
Unwell and unsure what to do?
If you’re unwell and uncertain about the best course of action, the Health Board recommends visiting the online symptom checker or calling NHS 111 Wales for advice.
When to attend A&E
Emergency Departments should only be used for life-threatening illnesses or serious injuries, such as:
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Severe pain or bleeding
- Chest pain or suspected stroke
- Serious trauma injuries (e.g., from a car crash)
Minor Injuries Units (MIUs)
For less serious injuries, MIUs offer treatment for:
- Minor wounds, burns, or scalds
- Insect bites
- Minor limb, head, or face injuries
- Foreign bodies in the nose or ear
MIUs are available at Cardigan Integrated Care Centre, Tenby Hospital, and main acute hospitals. Visit the Minor Injuries Unit page for opening hours and directions.
Urgent care, not an emergency
For urgent health needs that cannot wait but are not emergencies, call NHS 111 Wales for advice or access to out-of-hours GP services. This free service is available 24/7.
Mental health support
If you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 Wales and select option 2 to speak with a mental health professional. The number is free to call, even from a mobile with no credit.
Community care options
Community pharmacies offer walk-in services for common ailments such as sore throats, hay fever, and conjunctivitis. A full list of ailments and participating pharmacies can be found on the Common Ailments Service pages.
Helping reduce hospital stays
The Health Board emphasizes the importance of reducing hospital stays to ensure acute care is available for those who need it most. If a loved one is ready to be discharged, families are urged to collect them promptly to free up beds for other patients.
For more information on the inpatient experience, visit the Inpatient Information pages.
A thank you from the NHS
The Health Board expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation: “Your support not only helps you and your loved ones but also eases the strain on NHS and social care services.”
For further updates, contact:
Hywel Dda University Health Board Media Office
Email: [email protected]
Health
More than 300 healthcare workers from Kerala take up NHS jobs in Wales
AN EMPLOYMENT agreement has exceeded its target for recruiting healthcare workers from India.
The Welsh Government outlined a commitment to recruit 250 qualified healthcare workers from India as part of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kerala Government earlier this year.
The recruitment drive has outperformed that goal, with just over 300 healthcare workers taking up positions across all of Wales’ health boards and the Velindre University NHS Trust. Further recruitment is due to take place next year.
The commitment was made as part of Wales in India, a year-long series of events to improve economic, educational, artistic and sporting ties between the two nations.
Sharoon Kolickatharayil Nowshad, 24, had long held ambitions to move to Wales and work as a nurse, inspired by his uncle Siji Salimkutty who began working in the Welsh NHS in 2004.
Since arriving in Wales and beginning his job with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Sharoon said he has reunited with his family and appreciated the kindness shown by his new colleagues.
“I was really excited to work in the NHS” Sharoon said. “It’s always been my ambition to contribute to society, and now I get to do that here in Wales.
“Everything moved quickly once I saw the opportunity to apply, and I’m proud to work for the NHS. I tell my family and friends that it feels great to help people when they need it the most.
“When you work for the NHS, it’s not just a job or salary. It’s a great life. You feel proud knowing you’ve supported and helped others.
“The NHS has given us a great opportunity and we should always work sincerely because we love our jobs. There are lots of opportunities to advance your career, your colleagues always support you and there’s a great support network.”
Sharoon said he hopes to continue his career in the Welsh NHS by progressing to become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
He added: “People in Wales are so kind, they always make time for us, whether that’s at work or at home.
“I would encourage anyone thinking of coming to Wales not to hesitate and to apply, it’s the best decision I’ve made.”
Dr Devangana Bora has taken up a position as a Senior Clinical Fellow in Oncology at Velindre NHS Trust. Born in Guwahati, a large city in the Northeast Indian state of Assam, Dr Bora has worked as an Oncologist since 2019.
“I was really nervous for the interview. When I got there they told me it was in three stages and I became more nervous,” Dr Bora said.
“After the interview, I was offered the job and I was so happy. I thought they were joking. I was so excited to take this next step in my career and move to Wales.
“The weather is cold here but the people are so warm. I have received nothing but support from my colleagues and generally the people in Wales are so friendly and helpful.”
Dr Bora said her sister is currently studying Medicine at university and has been inspired to move to Wales once she completes her studies.
Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said: “Alongside continued investment in training healthcare staff in Wales, international recruitment has always been one of the ways we can help address NHS workforce vacancies.
“India and Kerala in particular has a fantastic record in training doctors and nurses. We are grateful for the commitment to delivering high-quality care our new NHS recruits have shown.
“The contribution of these healthcare workers is already being felt across our NHS and it’s wonderful to see them settling into happy lives in Wales.”
Wales in India was launched on St David’s Day, March 1, by the then First Minister Mark Drakeford and Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan, beginning a year of events and cultural engagements to strengthen links between the two nations.
One of the biggest impacts on policymaking in India drew inspiration from Wales’ innovative Well-being of Future Generations Act. Through partnership working, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly introduced its own draft law called the Maharashtra Future Generations Welfare Bill in July.
Welsh Government, the British Council and Wales Arts International also made commitments to further cultural collaborations between Wales and India by investing in arts projects through a dedicated culture fund. With the support of these organisations, as well as the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, Wales was recently a partner country for Hornbill, one of India’s largest music festivals, which saw Mari Mathias and Gareth Bonello perform on the main stage with Indian musicians Seyievinuo Chuzho and Benedict Hynniewta.
In February 2025, 10 young women, chosen from 140 applicants, will travel to Kolkata to complete humanitarian work as part of a joint project with Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Her Future Coalition. The volunteers will provide support to vulnerable girls including survivors of trafficking and other forms of gender-based violence. Sport and art workshops for children will also be run by the group.
Health
Hoax calls reach three-year high, says Welsh Ambulance Service
THE WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICE has seen a staggering 37% rise in hoax calls over the past three years, wasting valuable time and resources, a new investigation reveals.
Data from Medical Negligence Assist highlights that over 700 hours—equivalent to nearly 29 full days—of ambulance crew time has been lost responding to malicious calls since 2021.
During this period, WAS crews attended 463 face-to-face incidents later identified as deliberate hoaxes, severely straining emergency services already under pressure.
Rise in hoax calls over three years
- 2021/22: 334 hoax calls; 84 face-to-face responses.
- 2022/23: 373 hoax calls; 85 face-to-face responses.
- 2023/24: 457 hoax calls; 163 face-to-face responses.
The upward trend continues, with provisional figures for 2024/25 (April 1 to October 31) already recording 345 hoax calls and 131 face-to-face responses.
Strain across Wales
The geographic impact is widespread, with hoax calls reported in all areas of Wales. WAS officials warn that such incidents divert resources from genuine emergencies, potentially putting lives at risk.
A call to action
The 701 hours spent on hoax calls between 2021 and 2024 represent a critical drain on ambulance availability. A WAS spokesperson said: “Every minute wasted on a hoax call is a minute lost to someone in real need. These actions have serious, life-threatening consequences.”
“The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging the public to recognize the harm caused by hoax calls and act responsibly.
“For information or to report suspicious activity, contact the Welsh Ambulance Service through their official channels.”
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