Health

Board approves new community healthcare model for West Wales hospital

Published

3 months ago

September 26, 2024

HYWEL DDA University Health Board has approved a proposal to replace inpatient beds at Tregaron Community Hospital with enhanced community-based healthcare services. This decision comes after a public engagement exercise and is part of the Cylch Caron project aimed at transforming healthcare delivery in north Ceredigion.

The approved model will see the removal of nine inpatient beds at Tregaron Hospital, shifting focus to providing care in or close to patients’ homes. According to the health board, this move is designed to create a more sustainable, safer service across Ceredigion, improving patient care and allowing people to avoid hospital stays unless necessary. The model will allow staff to work in different ways, offering more support in the community and strengthening community-based nursing services.

A vision for integrated care

The Cylch Caron project, a collaborative effort between Ceredigion County Council, the health board, and the Welsh Government, plans to establish an integrated resource centre in Tregaron. This centre will bring together healthcare, social care, and housing services in a central hub for the town and its surrounding rural areas. The health board believes this model is already successful in south Ceredigion and will provide high-quality patient care by enhancing collaboration across healthcare and support services.

Peter Skitt, County Director for Ceredigion, acknowledged the emotional attachment the local community has to Tregaron Hospital. “We want to do the right thing for our patients and our staff who care for them, and this isn’t always by the traditional model of providing care in a hospital bed,” Skitt said. The health board aims to use the new model to support up to 40 people in their homes, compared to the nine patients who would be accommodated in hospital beds.

Despite the health board’s assurances, the plan to remove inpatient beds has sparked significant concern within the community and among local politicians. During the public engagement period, fears were raised about the future of healthcare services in Tregaron.

Elin Jones, Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion, and Ben Lake, the local MP, have been vocal in their concerns. They argue that the inpatient beds at Tregaron Hospital should remain until the new Cylch Caron centre is operational. “It was always expected that beds would remain in use at Tregaron Hospital until the Cylch Caron project was up and running,” said Elin Jones. The delay in the project’s completion, now expected to take another three to five years, has led to worries about a potential gap in healthcare provision.

Similarly, Tregaron Town Council has expressed “disappointment and anger” over the health board’s decision, stating that decommissioning the beds before the Cylch Caron project opens could dilute local healthcare resources. Tregaron County Councillor Ifan Davies described the hospital as a “special resource for the area,” emphasising its long-standing role in providing care to the community.

The Health Board’s justification

The health board, however, remains firm on the benefits of the new model. It argues that the change will help avoid the risks of hospital stays for patients who are medically fit to be in their home environments. The board has also noted that the staffing situation at Tregaron Hospital has become fragile, with recruitment efforts failing to address the shortages. “Despite efforts to recruit to positions, our current level of staffing is insufficient, and our staffing rotas are fragile,” said Skitt.

This proposal, according to the health board, is an opportunity to strengthen its resilience ahead of the winter months when healthcare services face significant pressures. By adopting the community care model now, they aim to avoid a situation where they might be forced to close beds without notice.

The transition to the new model of care will be phased. Current inpatients at Tregaron Hospital will follow normal discharge procedures, and further admissions will cease immediately. The hospital building will continue to serve as a hub for community staff and as a facility for outpatient services until the integrated resource centre is operational.

Dr Sion James, Deputy Medical Director of Primary Care and a local GP, supports the Cylch Caron vision. He describes the project as a unique opportunity to offer a range of services in a central hub for Tregaron and surrounding rural areas, aiming to create an innovative, sustainable model of community-based care.

While the new community healthcare model promises to provide enhanced nursing support in patients’ homes, local politicians and residents remain concerned about the potential loss of a valued healthcare facility. The health board’s assurances of a safer, more sustainable service will be tested in the coming months as Tregaron’s community adjusts to these changes. For many, the focus now shifts to how well the new model will meet the area’s healthcare needs in practice, especially as the Cylch Caron centre remains years away from completion.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

22 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“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.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Health

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

Published

6 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

6 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.