Health

Hywel Dda ‘misled public’ over consultation finding says campaign group

Published

2 years ago

July 6, 2022

Campaigners say that the Save Withybush campaign will now take a ‘march forward’ as evidence shows that Hywel Dda has misinterpreted the findings of its own consultation in 2018 and has misled the public over its data.

Following a full debate about the Save Withybush A&E petition in the Senedd last week, the petitions committee has requested further evidence from the camapign for their next meeting on monday July 11th.

A new campaign named ‘Our NHS – Born in Wales’ was recently launched by the People’s Assembly Wales and their volunteer researchers are supporting the Save Withybush campaign. The researchers have scrutinised the Health Board’s report on the 2018 consultation regarding proposed new hospital plans and believe that Hywel Dda has misled the public over its findings.

They have produced and submitted a further evidence paper to the Senedd petitions committee which they say shows “Hywel Dda have ignored the concerns of residents, ignored the data which showed an overwhelming rejection of the proposed new hospital plans and have ploughed ahead with changes. This is in spite of clear evidence which showed that the majority of people who would be most affected by the proposed changes were not in support of any of the proposed changes”.

New hospital sites to be reviewed by appraisal group

Campaigners added: “Our further evidence paper is a damning indictment of Hywel Dda’s actions to date. Not only have they misled the public over the findings of their 2018 consultation, they have completely ignored the concerns of thousands of residents and have bulldozed ahead with their proposals knowing full-well that they are acting against the wishes of a significant cross section of the public. We believe that it is now only a matter of time until the Health Board will be forced to go back, fully involve residents in addressing the concerns raised and engage properly in co-production as they are duty bound to do under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

They did not ask the right questions in their consultation, and the questions they did ask were heavily weighted in order to steer the data towards their preferred outcomes. This was not co-production and the Health Board now have no other option but to go back and ask different questions in a completely different way, based on the data they have recorded so far.”

“As campaigners we believe that the Health Board is now fully exposed on this issue and we will be pursuing this through every avenue with our latest findings marking a “turning of the tide” for the campaign. Pointing out that the Withybush issue is now under much greater scrutiny at Welsh Government level following the debate.

“The Health Board often cites ‘recruitment issues’ as one of the reasons for their proposed changes and removal of services at Withybush. However our argument, as evidenced in our paper, is that given the level of uncertainty that has surrounded health services within the hospital for so long, the Health Board has actually created the very recruitment issues which they are using to justify changes. This was cited in their own 2018 report ‘our Big NHS changes’ where staff focus groups actually said:

‘people won’t come to work here because there has been so much uncertainty around the hospital over recent years’ (p.10)

They have essentially run down the hospital and are now trying to use that as an excuse to remove the A&E”

“This has become a ‘war of attrition’ over Withybush, in which the Health Board has demoralised the public, wearing them down over time by pressing ahead with changes whilst ignoring our concerns. It’s understandable that some Pembrokeshire residents, including County Councillors have given up hope for Withybush. However, as a campaign and armed with new evidence, we feel that we can finally put the health board on notice. This is far from over or a ‘done deal’ as they repeatedly assert. Notably, in her speech in the Senedd last week Eluned Morgan used the word ‘if’ several times in regards to a new hospital. This shows that the Welsh Government may already be positioning itself to abandon these dangerous plans if we keep up the pressure as a campaign and as a county.

With model motions in support of the Save Withybush campaign going to Town & Community Councils, trade union branches as well as a motion going through County Council, we believe we can reinvigorate people’s hope for the survival of Withybush and inject fresh impetus for action to save our hospital. But we re-issue our call for action to everyone to step up and save the hospital.

With this week marking the 74th birthday of the NHS we encourage all in Pembrokeshire and beyond to demand decent, safe, and localised services, and importantly, to demand services which are provided based on health need, as was intended when the NHS was founded back in 1948.

Health

Hywel Dda urges responsible use of ‘under pressure’ A&E service

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.”