Health
Rapid response service helps prevent unnecessary ambulance callouts and hospital admissions
AN INNOVATIVE project which is helping patients in west Wales to receive the care they need as close to home, Delta Wellbeing’s, now has a rapid response team. The company says that this is helping to prevent unnecessary ambulance callouts and hospital admissions across the area by attending non-medical emergencies and supporting people in their own homes.
During February, the team, according to their own figures, attended a total of 407 callouts, with an average arrival time of 31 minutes, and only 6% needing to be escalated to emergency medical services.
A large majority of calls are for non-injurious falls, and the team aim to improve the experience and outcome of those who have fallen by working to reduce the time it takes to get to the client, to assess and support them at home, and to try and prevent future falls.
The service has helped to reduce the number of emergency ambulance callouts, enabling them to attend more life-threatening calls. It has also allowed the majority of clients, who are generally vulnerable or older, to stay at home, reducing hospital admissions.
The team is part of Delta Wellbeing’s CONNECT project, which is transforming the way social care is being delivered across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, through a new model of self-help and pro-active care, helping people remain independent for longer at home and reducing demand on long-term or acute care.
The service includes bespoke TEC equipment, wellbeing assessment, pro-active wellbeing calls, access to the 24/7 response team and pro-active support pathways, all of which, support residents to maintain independence and remain safe at home.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care Cllr Jane Tremlett told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “The response service responds to calls within 45 minutes for non-medical emergencies, avoiding inappropriate hospital admission and use of ambulances, and ensuring clients who suffer a fall at home are not impacted significantly by lying on the floor for a long length of time.
“Research shows that the impact of falling is considerable, with a negative effect on independence and quality of life. Someone left lying on the floor for more than one hour is more likely to suffer serious injuries and be admitted to hospital, and subsequently moved into long-term care.
“Being able to attend site within one hour and lift clients off the floor not only provides them with the best outcomes but can also have a significant impact on reducing and, in some cases, stopping the need for ongoing support and care.”
Since January 2020, the rapid response team has attended more than 11,391 call outs; of which 37% were for non-injurious falls, 27% were for a ‘no response’ following an alarm activation, and 28% were for other assistance or welfare check. Figures show only 713 of those, or 6%, needed to be escalated to emergency medical services.
CONNECT is funded by the Welsh Government’s Transformation Fund through the West Wales Care Partnership and provides an enhanced wrap-around lifeline and telecare service shaping the future of health and social care across west Wales. A total of 5,703 residents have signed up for the service since it was launched.
Rhian Matthews, Integrated System Director for Hywel Dda University Health Board and Carmarthenshire County Council, said: “The older adult population tell us that what’s important to them is that they remain as well and independent as they possibly can for as long as they possible can and within their own home and communities.
“Through Delta CONNECT we are able to keep checking in on our vulnerable and older population to make sure they are keeping well and independent as they possibly can be, and when they are struggling Delta CONNECT is able to provide a timely response to their needs which allows us to put support in place before things become any worse. This helps us to avoid a hospital admission and protects their independence and reduces the reliance on social care support.
“And if someone falls at home or they need any type of assistance, Delta’s rapid response team works closely with the Welsh Ambulance Service, and make sure they are only taken to hospital when it is absolutely necessary for them to do so. If someone is taken to hospital by an ambulance and we believe that individual could go home with a little bit of wrap-around care from Delta CONNECT and the rapid responders, then we do that to support them and their families.”
Delta Wellbeing is a Local Authority Trading Company, owned by Carmarthenshire County Council, which provides assistive technology and proactive monitoring to support older and vulnerable people to live more independently.
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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