Health

Chair’s reflections and focus on recovery one year on

Published

4 years ago

March 19, 2021

MARIA BATTLE, Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board, which plans and delivers the majority of NHS care in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, is reflecting on the last year as we reach the anniversary of the first UK stay-at-home instruction in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

“The day of reflection planned across the UK on Tuesday March 23 2021 will be a poignant day.

Families who have suffered the loss of a loved one either directly from COVID-19, or during the pandemic, are living every day with their personal grief and loss. In Hywel Dda University Health Board alone, 474* people have died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

Loved ones lost before their time.

Our thoughts and sympathies are first and foremost with people who are grieving at this time. The hope is that this day of national reflection will demonstrate that their loved ones were seen and are remembered. Our thoughts are also with our staff who cared for those lost so lovingly at the end of their lives.

In Hywel Dda University Health Board, we will join others across the UK in a one minute’s silence at 12noon on Tuesday, to remember those lost. Care will continue to be provided, but what can be paused will be paused. We will take those moments privately, or collectively with our colleagues, to remember in peace and to pay tribute.

An online remembrance service has been organised for our staff on this day, so those who wish to come together have a place to do so, although not physically but in the spirit of togetherness.

As always, staff can attend our hospital chapels if they need a place for rest or recuperation, and are invited to light battery operated candles, funded by Hywel Dda Health Charites, and distributed across our sites and community services.

As we know, the simple act of lighting a candle can help the emotions we may experience from continued pain, suffering and anxiety become a tribute to hope and thankfulness for the heroic response by many people in our communities.

We are also invited to shine a beacon into the night sky at 8pm by using our phones, candles or torches; and we thank our partners in local authorities in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire who will light up landmark buildings in our area for this day of reflection.

But alongside remembrance and reflection, in Hywel Dda University Health Board, we have also turned our attentions to the recovery and learning that is necessary as we start to emerge out of the pandemic.

I am so very proud of the sacrifices made by our staff (frontline and support), their families, our partners and our communities during the past year.

I have been awed by how our communities have rolled up their sleeves. Whether that has been other key workers, people staying at home, those shielding, home schooling, or in support of neighbours by volunteering and carrying out heart- warming acts of human kindness.

The hope and the light that came when we received the first batch of vaccines on December 8 2020 grows daily and shines more brightly. Our staff, volunteers and partners have worked so hard together in recent months to deliver vaccines to those most at risk, to save lives and protect us all.

And people have come forward for their vaccinations in numbers we daren’t imagine were possible, to protect themselves and their loved ones and their communities.

As of March 17 2021, we have given 175,893 vaccinations in total, representing 39.5% of our population (more than 50% of eligible adult population) having received their first dose and 5.9% receiving the full course (2nd dose).

We are on target to offer vaccination to all adults in West Wales by the end of July, subject to supplies being received as planned.

This extraordinary achievement opens up hope for the future as we continue to work towards our vision for a healthier mid and west Wales. But we have a lot of work to do to re-build and a lot of learning to take stock of.

We are all acutely aware of the detrimental impact on people waiting for planned operations far longer than we would like. We have written to all patients who have waited more than 52 weeks to say how sorry we are, to explain why and to ensure our waiting lists are correct to help clinical decisions as we re-start non-urgent care. You can keep up-to-date on the re-starting and expansion of planned care services here: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/covid-19-information/restarting-services/

We are about to offer a single point of contact and additional support to some patients. We are starting with a group of orthopaedic patients, so they are supported to look after themselves and be ready for surgery, and are able to recognise and report any significant changes to their clinical condition. We want to eventually roll this out to everyone on the waiting list.

General advice to people on how to remain well whilst awaiting surgery, which can improve outcomes after surgery, is available here: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/covid-19-information/preparing-for-treatment-lifestyle-advice/

Without the pandemic however, we would unlikely have seen the speed of the digital roll out and community based care that we have been able to provide in people’s own homes, or closer to them.

For example, in March last year only 1% of outpatient appointments were carried out online, but as of January this year, 28% of outpatient appointments were carried out in this manner, with really good feedback from patients.

We are also continuing to support staff with their own health and wellbeing with a range of psychological and wellbeing services. Many are exhausted and they and their families have made great personal sacrifices. It has been humbling and inspirational to listen to their experiences and see how they have looked after each other as well as their patients. They need some time to rest and recover before the full resumption of all services.

I have recently set up a group of experts, including the Military, to advise on how we best support staff coming out of the pandemic. To rebuild stronger, we need a solid foundation and that is our staff who deliver or enable the care we provide

Following the Senedd elections, we will also ‘check in’ with our communities and open up a conversation about the pandemic and what it has meant for you and your experience and access to health and care. We want to consider any new information you have that we need to take into account when planning your health services for the future.

So next week is for reflection and remembrance. But it is a not a one day event for us in Hywel Dda UHB. We will use what we have learnt and all our experiences to inform what we do and how we do things moving forward to hopefully, make things better for our communities, our staff and our patients.

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

5 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.

Health

Hoax calls reach three-year high, says Welsh Ambulance Service

Published

1 week ago

December 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICE has seen a staggering 37% rise in hoax calls over the past three years, wasting valuable time and resources, a new investigation reveals.

Data from Medical Negligence Assist highlights that over 700 hours—equivalent to nearly 29 full days—of ambulance crew time has been lost responding to malicious calls since 2021.

During this period, WAS crews attended 463 face-to-face incidents later identified as deliberate hoaxes, severely straining emergency services already under pressure.

Rise in hoax calls over three years

2021/22: 334 hoax calls; 84 face-to-face responses.
2022/23: 373 hoax calls; 85 face-to-face responses.
2023/24: 457 hoax calls; 163 face-to-face responses.

The upward trend continues, with provisional figures for 2024/25 (April 1 to October 31) already recording 345 hoax calls and 131 face-to-face responses.

Strain across Wales

The geographic impact is widespread, with hoax calls reported in all areas of Wales. WAS officials warn that such incidents divert resources from genuine emergencies, potentially putting lives at risk.

A call to action

The 701 hours spent on hoax calls between 2021 and 2024 represent a critical drain on ambulance availability. A WAS spokesperson said: “Every minute wasted on a hoax call is a minute lost to someone in real need. These actions have serious, life-threatening consequences.”

“The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging the public to recognize the harm caused by hoax calls and act responsibly.

“For information or to report suspicious activity, contact the Welsh Ambulance Service through their official channels.”