Health

Glangwili Hospital faces increased pressure as children’s services centralised

Published

3 months ago

September 26, 2024

GLANGWILI HOSPITAL in Carmarthen is set to face a surge in demand as it becomes the main provider of children’s healthcare services for the entire Dyfed region, following significant changes in paediatric care at Withybush Hospital in Pembrokeshire and Bronglais Hospital in Ceredigion. This centralisation has raised concerns about how Glangwili will manage the influx of young patients from all three counties: Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion.

The closure of the Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit (PACU) at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest was recently made permanent, leaving families in Pembrokeshire without local access to hospital-based care for children. This decision came after the unit’s hours were reduced in 2016 and its services were “temporarily” transferred to Glangwili during the pandemic, only to never return. Hywel Dda University Health Board cited financial and staffing constraints as the main reasons for this closure, leaving Glangwili as the sole 24-hour inpatient paediatric facility in the region.

***Closed: Withybush hospital’s children’s ward has already been shut (Image: Herald)***

Adding to the strain, Hywel Dda University Health Board has announced that children requiring more than 24 hours of care at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth will also be transferred to Glangwili, starting 1 November 2024. This temporary measure, expected to last six months, is a response to a shortage of paediatric nurses at Bronglais. However, families fear that the increased burden on Glangwili could have long-term consequences for children’s healthcare in Dyfed.

The announcement has been met with concern from local politicians and community members. Ceredigion MS Elin Jones described the decision as a “real shock,” warning of its impact on families in the region. “This will cause real concern to ripple through the community,” she remarked, emphasising the need to ensure the change remains temporary. Many residents also fear the decision sets a worrying precedent for the future of paediatric care in Ceredigion.

Dr. Gwen Rees criticised the decision, stating it could lead to “poorer health and wellbeing outcomes” due to limited access to inpatient care. Highlighting the challenges faced by families in rural areas, Dr. Rees noted that the transfer to Glangwili poses logistical and emotional difficulties, particularly for those living over an hour away.

***Many parents will be an hour or more’s drive away from the hospital where their children will be treated (Image: NHS)***

With the upcoming changes, Glangwili Hospital now faces the task of providing paediatric care to the entirety of the former county of Dyfed. Encompassing Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion, this is a vast and largely rural area, making travel to the hospital difficult for many families. In some cases, parents may now face journeys of over an hour to access hospital care for their children, a situation that is particularly concerning for emergencies and those requiring ongoing treatment.

Parents and local campaigners have expressed their dismay, arguing that the centralisation of services at Glangwili could compromise the quality and timeliness of care for children across the region. Residents of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion have already voiced their frustrations over the closure of Withybush’s PACU, pointing out that previous “temporary” reductions in services often become permanent. The prospect of Glangwili now having to handle patients from all three counties has only heightened their concerns about the sustainability of paediatric healthcare in west Wales.

***Ambulances will help: But it seems unlikely due to the acute shortage of vehicles available*** ***(Image: Herald)***

In response, Hywel Dda University Health Board has assured the public that the changes are necessary to address staffing shortages and financial challenges while ensuring safe care delivery. Dr. Prem Kumar Pitchaikani, Clinical Director for Women & Children’s Services, emphasised that the adjustments at Bronglais are a “short-term operational change” meant to prioritise the safety of patients and staff. However, many families remain sceptical, especially given the history of gradual service reductions at Withybush.

The health board has also promised to support families affected by these changes, including providing designated ambulance vehicles and exploring other transport solutions. Despite these efforts, the reality of centralising care at Glangwili raises questions about how effectively the hospital can manage the increased patient load without compromising the level of care.

As the changes take effect, communities across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion will be watching closely to see how Glangwili Hospital adapts to its new role as the main paediatric care provider for the entire Dyfed region.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

9 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

5 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.