STAFF in Withybush Hospital’s Ward 10 have been praised for the care they give to local patients and their relatives.

Earlier this year, Hywel Dda Community Health Council (CHC) visited the ward to speak to patients and their families and to observe the current environment of care. Feedback was also sought from staff, patients and the public through an online survey and other engagement activities.

Fiona Lordon, Sister on Ward 10, said: “We’re pleased to see that the overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the ‘warm and friendly feel of the ward’ and recognising the dedicated and compassionate care provided by our staff for all our patients and their families.”

Dennis Evans, the CHC’s Local Committee Chair for Pembrokeshire, said “Ward 10 at Withybush Hospital continues to play an important part in the lives of patients and their families in Pembrokeshire and the surrounding areas.  During our visits patients and their families were overwhelmingly positive about the dedicated and compassionate care they received from the staff in Ward 10. Much needed improvements to the ward environment will further enhance people’s overall experience of care, and we will continue to work with the Health Board to support continued progress with the Ward 10 redevelopment plans.”

The CHC report, which was presented to a recent meeting of key stakeholders, also highlighted that existing facilities and environment need improving and this feedback will be included in the current plans to develop the existing ward into a new, multi-million pound, designated Specialist Palliative Care, Haematology & Oncology Ward.

Dr Iain Robertson-Steel, Hospital Director, said “The plans for the proposed development are well underway with the business case currently being prepared for Welsh Government consideration. Subject to the necessary approvals, we are anticipating that building works on the ward will begin next year.”

“I wish to acknowledge the valued involvement of all our stakeholders in moving these plans forward, and to particularly thank our local charities and fundraisers for their ongoing efforts in helping to improve the patient environment”.

Elly’s father, Lyn Neville, commented: “It is very encouraging to see real progress being made on the Ward 10 project. Elly’s Appeal will continue to do what we can to raise funds and raise the profile of the Ward with the Pembrokeshire public.”

More than £355,000 has been raised so far by the Health Board’s Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund and Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal. The majority of funding for the development is dependent on securing monies from the Welsh Government.

As part of the wider work to improve our palliative, haematology and oncology services locally, a course was recently held at the Haverfordwest Hospital for doctors and health care professionals to develop their skills in palliative and end of life care for adult patients locally. Dr Rob Jones, End of Life Care Development Facilitator, organised the course with the aim of bringing it to a local venue rather than a number of individuals having to go to Cardiff.

Dr Jones said “The course was well received and hopefully we can run others in the future. I would like to thank the lecturers invited from Cardiff University – Dr Fiona Rawlinson, Dr Nikki Pease and Dr Jo Hayes who successfully delivered the programme for us.”