Health
Respiratory illnesses are on the rise, protect yourself a vaccine this winter
PEOPLE eligible to receive winter respiratory illness vaccines are being urged to come forward for vaccination to ensure they are protected before returning to school and work in the New Year. The number of cases of flu is on the increase across Wales.
Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) has confirmed its vaccination centres will be open after Christmas from Wednesday 27 December and throughout January to make it as easy as possible for people to protect themselves.
Flu can be a serious illness and it is important that we all act to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
It is particularly important that people with underlying chronic conditions are vaccinated as it protects them against having a severe illness. It is also important that children aged two and three year-olds receive their nasal flu vaccine. Last year, flu was the primary reason nearly 800 children aged 2-16 years old were admitted to hospital across Wales.
Complications from flu can include bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections. The vaccine reduces the chance of children and young people becoming very unwell and helps reduce spreading flu to friends and family who are at high risk, such as young babies, grandparents, and those with long-term health conditions.
Parents can find out more about the nasal flu vaccine on the Public Health Wales website at phw.nhs.wales/vaccines
Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “This week, Public Health Wales has published data showing recorded flu cases more than doubled in the past three weeks.
“The latest data shows a significant increase in influenza test positivity in Wales, rising from 2.4 percent in the week ending November 27 to 4.4 percent in the week ending December 11.
“Reports also show the percentage of flu-related calls to NHS 111 Wales increased to 21.2 percent, up from 18.7 percent the previous week.
“The chances of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 or flu are greatly reduced by vaccination, as is the risks of spreading these viruses.
“If you are eligible for a flu or COVID-19 vaccine, it means you are at greater risk of complications from these illnesses, or you live with or care for someone vulnerable. It’s not too late to come forward to be vaccinated. This way you will protect yourself and ensure you and your loved ones have the protection the vaccines offer before returning to school or work in the New Year.”
Having a flu vaccine every year is one of the most effective ways to protect against flu. With both flu and Covid-19 circulating this winter, it is vital all those eligible get both vaccines as soon as possible.
It’s never been easier to get protected from common winter respiratory illnesses with drop-in clinics continuing after Christmas and throughout January in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.
People eligible for a flu vaccine who are aged 18 and over can drop-in to a vaccination centre, no appointment is needed. Anyone under 18 years old who needs a flu vaccine is asked to contact the health board on 0300 303 8322 or email [email protected] to arrange their vaccine.
People eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine aged 12 and over can drop-in, no appointment needed but if you need to arrange a COVID-19 vaccine for someone under 12 years old, please contact the health board on the details above.
Vaccination centre drop-in opening times:
- Cwm Cou (Ysgol Trewen, Newcastle Emlyn SA38 9PE) – 9.30am to 5.30pm, Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 December. From 2 January, the centre is open 9.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
- Llanelli (Unit 2a, Dafen Industrial Estate, Heol Cropin, SA14 8QW) – 9.30am to 5.30pm Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 December. From 2 January, the centre is open 9.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday.
- Neyland (Unit 1 Honeyborough Retail Park, SA73 1SE) – 9.30am to 5.30pm, Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 December. From 2 January, the centre is open 9.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
- Carmarthen (Wanderers Cricket Club, Trinity Fields, Johnstown, SA31 3NE) – 9.30am to 5.30pm every Friday starting 5 January.
If you have any questions about the vaccine or your eligibility, please do not hesitate to contact the health board on 0300 303 8322 or by emailing [email protected] and we’ll be happy to advise you.
Health
Nurse suspended after striking patient in Withybush Hospital incident
A NURSE has been suspended for 12 months after striking an elderly patient during a challenging incident at Withybush Hospital.
The suspension followed an incident in May 2022 on the trauma and orthopaedic ward, where nurse Primrose James, described as experienced and respected, was assisting an 80-year-old man known as Patient D. The patient, who had been recovering from a broken hip for six months, had a history of lashing out at staff.
A healthcare assistant who witnessed the event reported that James had struck the patient across his face and tapped his cheek after he had hit her. Recalling the incident, the assistant told the panel: “Primrose was standing beside the bed when she struck him across the face and then tapped him on the cheek, telling him off for hitting out.”
Reflecting on the incident, Ms. James expressed regret, noting her intention was never to harm patients. “This was a difficult encounter in a fast-moving situation,” she stated. “Knowing his history of aggression, I should have anticipated he might strike out, but I reacted instinctively in the moment.”
ALLEGATIONS REVIEWED
At the Nursing and Midwifery Council hearing, Ms. James faced multiple allegations. Two were substantiated: that she struck the patient and tapped his cheek. Allegations that she had acted further aggressively by pressing on his forehead and making unprofessional comments were dismissed as unproven.
The panel acknowledged Ms. James’s previously unblemished 16-year career, her extensive experience with dementia patients, and her immediate remorse following the incident. It was noted that Patient D’s aggressive behaviour was a recurring issue on the ward, and despite staff regularly facing his outbursts, no measures had been implemented by senior staff to manage the situation.
NEED FOR SUPPORT
In its decision, the panel criticised the lack of support for managing Patient D’s behaviour, stating: “Staff had reported ongoing assaults, yet action to address the patient’s aggression was lacking.”
While the panel determined that Patient D suffered no physical harm, they raised concerns about the potential for psychological distress to the patient and his family.
12-MONTH SUSPENSION
The panel ultimately ruled that a 12-month suspension was necessary to reflect the seriousness of the misconduct, despite Ms. James’s previously clean record and her remorse over the incident. The panel remarked: “This was an isolated incident involving a challenging patient, but a suspension order is warranted to underline the gravity of the incident.”
Ms. James’s suspension is subject to review at the end of the 12 months.
Charity
RNLI offers winter safety advice as lifeguard patrols end in Wales
THE RNLI are offering lifesaving beach safety advice as lifeguard patrols come to an end in Wales for the 2024 season.
This weekend (2-3 November, 2024) RNLI lifeguards will conclude their patrols at Whitesands Beach, St Davids. Lifeguards will be patrolling from 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The RNLI are offering safety advice to help keep beach users safe during the winter months. Chris Cousens RNLI Water Safety Lead for the region said: “As the lifeguard season ends in Wales and wintery conditions have begun to hit our coastline, we’re asking people to take care and be aware of the dangers.
“If you visit a beach, never go alone. It’s vital that you have company who could get help, in the event of an emergency. Take note of safety signage at the entrance to the beach which will warn of the local risks and hazards, and if possibly speak to someone who might be local who might be able to also provide advice.
“Always check the weather and conditions and consider your capabilities, if in doubt it is better to stay dry and watch the sea than take the risk.
“Strong winds and big waves pose a great risk to those visiting the coast. In these conditions, stay clear of beachfronts, cliff edges and piers.
“You should always carry a means of contact such as a mobile phone, if you get into trouble or see anyone else in difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
“We’re aware that cold water dipping is becoming increasingly popular. We strongly advise that you should never do this alone. As we get further into the winter months, and the temperature continues to drop, the risk of cold-water shock will increase. Make sure you understand the effects of cold water and that you have means of warming up afterwards.
“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.”
Bigger waves and stronger winds increase the likelihood and strength of rip currents.
Should you find yourself stuck in a rip current:
- Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.
- If you can stand, wade don’t swim.
- If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore.
- Always raise your hand and shout for help.
Despite the coming absence of RNLI lifeguards on the beaches, the RNLI would like to remind the public that RNLI lifeboats are a 24-hour search and rescue service with 238 stations situated around the British Isles. When you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, they dispatch the nearest lifeboat which will come to your aid.
Health
Fundraiser walks 87,000 steps for Acute Cardiac Care Unit
FUNDRAISER Sam Faulkner has completed his 87,000 step challenge and has raised an incredible £2,609 for the Acute Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital.
Sam completed the challenge in July when he walked along the Brecon and Monmouth Canal from Brecon to Rogerstone in Newport in memory of his father. This was Sam’s second fundraiser for the unit which provided care to his Dad during his last few days.
Sam said: “It was an honour to once again raise funds for the Acute Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital in memory of my Dad and in recognition of the exceptional care given to him by the lovely staff on the unit during his last few days. We as a family will be forever grateful to the unit for their kindness and I look forward to continuing to raise more money for them in future!”
Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say well done to Sam for completing his challenge. Thank you so much for dedicating your time to once again raise funds for the Acute Cardiac Care Unit.”
“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”
For more details about the NHS charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk
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