Health

Campaign launched to save stroke recovery services in Hywel Dda area

Published

2 years ago

March 15, 2023

THE STROKE ASSOCIATION is calling for support to sign petition as stroke recovery services are under threat in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire

People who have a stroke in the Hywel Dda health board area are at risk of being abandoned, according to the leading stroke charity.

The Stroke Association is deeply concerned that, as of 2023-24, the funding for the Life After Stroke service in Hywel Dda UHB is unlikely to provide a quality and equitable service for those most vulnerable stroke survivors in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Service has been supporting stroke survivors in the Hywel Dda Health Board area for more than a decade. The service provides a life-line for people after they leave hospital; helping stroke survivors and their loved ones set their own goals for recovery, manage their condition and become more independent.

In 2022 alone, the Stroke Association provided specialised person-centred support to more than 250 new stroke survivors and their carers in the Hywel Dda health board area; reducing hospital readmissions, supporting mental health needs and most importantly, supporting stroke survivor independence.

Katie Chappelle, Associate Director Wales, Stroke Association said “Hywel Dda University Health Board has been de-prioritising stroke services for years. There has been no inflation increase in our funding for over six years, resulting in a real-terms cut for stroke support services. Part of the service has historically been provided by Carmarthenshire Local Authority, but they have now withdrawn this money, due to changes in how they pay for community-based prevention services.

With this support coming to an end, we want to work closely with Hywel Dda UHB to design an effective and quality service which continues to support stroke survivors and their loved ones to rebuild life after stroke. We urge the Health Board to reconsider their upcoming tender, and include the additional adequate funding needed to deliver an equal stroke recovery service across all three areas for stroke survivors in the years ahead.

“Charities are integral to the healthy functioning of our society and should be accepted as a partner in the health and social care system, particularly at times of strain, rather than seen as a “nice to have”. This means supporting charities with long-term funding and integrating them into decision making. Charities are often best placed to engage with a wide range of people, particularly those who are seldom heard. At the Stroke Association we ensure that stroke survivors have a voice in the decisions that affect them. If there is a failure to recognise, respect and realise the true value of the work that charities do, there is a risk of losing essential provision and the person-centred approach that charities bring to our society.”

There are almost 10,000 stroke survivors living in the Hywel Dda Health Board area. Without this essential service, stroke survivors risk feeling abandoned after they leave hospital, placing further pressure on health and social services, at a time of great strain. 47% of stroke survivors within the health board are registered with GP surgeries that are in the Local Authority area of Carmarthenshire. The other 20% live in Ceredigion and 33% in Pembrokeshire highlighting a need for a service in all three areas. (Data is from GP register 2019-2020)

Dave Jones, from Ammanford, Carmarthenshire had a stroke in 2017 at 36 years old. He was young, fit and healthy and he never expected it. “When I came out of hospital, I had double vision, my right arm and right leg didn’t work. I couldn’t speak properly. I got to the point of I didn’t want to be here. I actually got to the steps of ending it all. The support I have received from the Stroke Association has been invaluable.”

The dad of two continued, “My co-ordinator has been a huge help to me. She is always there whenever I need her. I would never have got to where I have got without her.”

Dave is part of a young men’s peer group based in Carmarthen “we help each other through it and meet up and talk about our experience, it is a massive help to me. Without the opportunity and help to set up this group by the Stroke Association who knows where we would all be. It has been a real saviour to many of us.”

As Dave continues to rebuild his life he has recently become a Stroke Association support co-ordinator, “It is a fantastic organisation that has helped me so much and I want to give back and help others as I know first-hand how important the Life After Stroke service is for stroke survivors.”

Adam Price MS for Carmarthen East & Dinefwr said that“having met with the Stroke Association recently, I am fully aware of the excellent service they provide to stroke survivors across my constituency. Despite a shrinking budget and significant pressures, the Life After Stroke service has continued to provide vital support to patients across the Hywel Dda area.

“It is vital that stroke recovery services do not get left behind, and we must do whatever we can to save our stroke recovery service. I would urge members of the public to sign this petition to demonstrate just how much support there is for the Life After Stroke service in Carmarthenshire.”

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt. The Stroke Association is here to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke.

The Stroke Association has delivered a stroke recovery service across all three areas of Hywel Dda health board for more than a decade. We support stroke survivors, their families, and carers to rebuild their lives after stroke.

To help save our stroke recovery service in Hywel Dda please sign our petition to show your support here

Health

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

Published

1 day 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

2 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

4 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.”