FOLLOWING a long and fulfilling career in the NHS, Mandy Rayani will be retiring from her post as Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience at the end of December 2023.

Mandy’s decision to retire at the end of this year comes at a point when she will have been a member of the NHS family for 40 years. Her career saw her take on roles such as Divisional Nurse Mental Health, Regional Nurse Welsh Government, Chief Nurse and Lead for AHPs in a Trust in England and last but far from least, joining our Hywel Dda family in 2017.

During her time with the health board, Mandy has led its nursing workforce with great passion, professional expertise and determination to improve the quality and experience of patient care.

She has been a great ambassador for the nursing profession, and a respected leader and colleague across the health board and NHS Wales.

Mandy said: “I have had a busy, fulfilling and rewarding career in nursing. Through this time, I have worked with some amazingly talented and caring people, and I will miss my colleagues immensely.

“I came in to nursing because I wanted to make a difference to the lives of people – not just patients, but their families/carers, and the people who deliver care: our workforce. While I will miss the opportunity to help shape the future delivery of patient care within the Hywel Dda region, I hope that, to some extent, I have helped to make a difference for those who we serve.”

Steve Moore, Chief Executive said: “On behalf of the Board and the Executive Team, I wish to express our sincerest gratitude to Mandy for everything she has achieved, with and for our staff, patients, their families and carers, and our local communities. In her retirement, Mandy plans to spend more quality time with her family and we wish her a very happy and healthy retirement.”

The health board will be recruiting to the Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience post in the coming months.

EARLIER this year, Miss Maria Battle, Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board shared her intention to retire at the end of her tenure.

Miss Battle explains: “My term as Chair of Hywel Dda came to an end in August this year, but to ensure continuity of the role as I step into retirement, I have, in discussion with the Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan MS, agreed that I will stay in post as Chair until the end of October 2023.”

“It has been an honour to serve as Chair of the Health Board particularly during the global pandemic, and to work alongside our dedicated staff and Board Members who work tirelessly every day to ensure the health and care of our patients and population and to deliver our ambitious strategy.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for the NHS and especially in Hywel Dda. We are doing all we can to serve our population and at the same time to push for the delivery of our strategy, which includes a new urgent and planned care hospital we so need, especially with the RAAC issues in Withybush Hospital and the deteriorating condition of Glangwili Hospital.

“I encourage individuals who are interested in supporting the future ambitions of our Health Board and making a difference to apply for the position of Chair.”

Maria has had a long and illustrious career and joined Hywel Dda as Chair in 2019, following eight years as Chair of Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board.

Steve Moore, Hywel Dda University Health Board Chief Executive, said: “Working with Maria has been a pleasure – she has served our population and supported our staff with utmost dignity and grace and has always had kindness at her core. We will miss her leadership and her ability to connect with all members of our community, as well as our staff and patients.

“Thank you, Maria, for all you have done to lead our health board and the communities of mid and west Wales – everyone at Hywel Dda wishes you well as you step into retirement.”

The appointment of Independent Board Members to health boards are public appointments by Welsh Government.

THE ANNUAL baby loss remembrance service will return on Thursday 12 October 2023 at St Luke’s Chapel in Withybush hospital in Haverfordwest at 7pm.

The ‘Forget Me Not’ service coincides with Baby Loss Awareness week (9-15 October) and is arranged by Midwifery and Bereavement teams and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy).

The service has long been a source of comfort for parents and families and provides an opportunity for people to reflect and to come together to pay respects and write a message in a safe space.

Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “This service of remembrance is an important moment for parents and families who have been affected by the very sad experience of babies who have passed away.

“Infant and pregnancy loss is a very lonely grief. This space is a time to gather and remember precious little ones whether the loss was recent or in the more distant past.”

In recognition of Baby Loss Awareness week, Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli, Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen and Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth will have pink and blue lights in the Chapel/Quiet Room. The week culminates in a ‘Wave of Light’ on 15 October, which is recognised across the world.

A candle (battery operated) will be lit at 7pm by the Senior Chaplain in memory of all the babies who lit up our lives for such a short time.

If you are unable to attend the service and wish to commemorate your loved one, please send a message to [email protected] by Tuesday 10 October 2023

Should you require further information please contact Euryl Howells by telephone or email 01267 227563 or [email protected]