Health

Chair’s reflections and focus on recovery one year on

Published

5 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

RCN Wales appoints Nicola Williams as Executive Director

Published

11 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NICOLA WILLIAMS will take up the role in April, bringing more than three decades of experience in nursing and senior leadership.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has announced the appointment of Nicola Williams as its new Executive Director for Wales.

She joins the organisation from Velindre University NHS Trust, where she currently serves as Executive Director for Nursing, Allied Health Professionals and Health Care Scientists. With 38 years of experience in nursing and more than six years at executive board level, she is widely recognised across NHS Wales for her work in improving patient outcomes.

A highly experienced strategic leader, Williams has worked across a wide range of clinical and organisational settings. She has led major transformation programmes, strengthened national clinical leadership networks and championed innovation and evidence-based improvements in care. Her work has contributed to changes adopted across Wales and has been recognised with national awards.

Speaking about her appointment, Nicola Williams said: “I feel privileged to be appointed as Executive Director of RCN Wales. I’m a proud nurse, passionate about patient safety and improving care standards.

“Delivering the best care is only possible when nursing staff are supported to work in safe, inclusive environments. I will stand alongside members and their patients.

“Nursing staff are the backbone of health and care. I am determined to support our members across Wales, wherever they work, to meet the challenges ahead and shape the future of our profession.

“I look forward to meeting members across Wales and ensuring our work is informed by their experiences and expertise.”

In her new role, Williams will lead the RCN’s work in Wales and provide strategic leadership across key priority areas spanning the UK.

She succeeds Helen Whyley, who has held the position since February 2019 and will move into a new role as Director of Service Innovation at the RCN.

Health

Decision pending on adult mental health referral pathway

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HYWEL DDA University Health Board will decide next week whether to make changes to the GP referral pathway for routine adult mental health services permanent.

The decision will be taken at a public Board meeting on Thursday (Mar 26).

Board members will consider a proposal to formalise changes already introduced in Ceredigion and, if approved, roll out the revised pathway across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Since March 2025, adults in Ceredigion seeking routine mental health support have been advised by their GP to contact the NHS 111 Wales ‘Press 2’ service, rather than being referred directly to the county’s Community Mental Health Team.

The temporary change was introduced in response to ongoing staffing shortages. Health Board officials say the approach has helped maintain timely access to face-to-face assessments for those who need them, while directing initial contact through a single access point.

The 111 ‘Press 2’ service provides telephone assessments by local wellbeing practitioners, supervised by registered mental health nurses, offering advice, support and onward referrals where required.

At its November 2025 meeting, the Board agreed to extend the temporary pathway until the end of March 2026. A nine-week engagement exercise followed, running from December 8 to February 9, to gather feedback from patients, professionals and stakeholders on the potential long-term impact.

Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views and experiences.

“I would also like to thank West Wales Action for Mental Health for supporting engagement with patients, including those with lived experience, alongside GPs, primary care teams, mental health staff and third sector partners.

“Our priority is to ensure mental health services remain accessible, fair and sustainable. The temporary changes in Ceredigion have shown some positive benefits, and the feedback we have received from across the three counties will play an important role in shaping the Board’s decision.”

The Board will review all evidence and feedback before making a final decision on the future of the adult mental health referral pathway.

GPs will continue to refer patients with urgent or complex needs directly to community mental health teams where appropriate, and have access to a dedicated NHS 111 professional line for additional clinical advice.

Further details, including the full Board papers, are available here:
https://biphdd.gig.cymru/amdanom-ni/eich-bwrdd-iechyd/cyfarfodydd-y-bwrdd-2026/agenda-a-phapuraur-bwrdd-26-mawrth-2026/

The meeting will be streamed live from 9:30am on Thursday (Mar 26) via:
www.youtube.com/hywelddahealthboard1

Health

Parents urged to check children’s vaccinations after meningitis cases

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Local pharmacy reports MenB vaccine shortage amid rising concern

PARENTS and carers across west Wales are being urged to check their children’s vaccination status following recent meningitis cases in the UK.

The warning comes as a local pharmacy has confirmed a shortage of the Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine, highlighting growing pressure on supplies.

Mendus Pharmacy said it currently has no availability of the vaccine due to what it described as a nationwide supply issue.

***Mendus Pharmacy: No availability of the vaccine***

In a statement, the pharmacy said: “We would like to inform our patients that, due to ongoing supply issues, we currently have no availability of the Meningitis B vaccine.

“Unfortunately, this is a nationwide shortage and all stock is currently unavailable.

“We understand this may be particularly concerning given the recent outbreak reported in Kent, and we completely appreciate the importance of timely vaccination.”

The pharmacy confirmed it is operating a waiting list and will contact patients once supplies return.

Health officials say keeping vaccinations up to date remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness and reduce pressure on NHS services.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board, urged parents to act.

She said: “Vaccination is one of the most effective ways we can protect children and young people from serious illness.

“Ensuring your child is fully vaccinated not only safeguards their health but also helps prevent the spread of infections within our communities.

“I strongly encourage all parents and carers to check their child’s vaccination status. If you are concerned that your child may have missed routine vaccinations, please speak to your GP.”

Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that can lead to meningitis or septicaemia. While many people recover, some are left with long-term physical, neurological or psychological complications. Around one in ten cases can be fatal.

Although the disease can affect anyone, babies, young children, teenagers and young adults are at greatest risk.

In Wales, vaccines protecting against meningococcal strains A, B, C, W and Y are offered as part of the NHS immunisation programme. Infants receive the MenB vaccine, while teenagers are offered the MenACWY vaccine.

Latest figures from the Health Board show that uptake among 16-year-olds for the MenACWY vaccine stands at 76.4%, meaning a significant number of young people remain unprotected as they approach adulthood.

For younger children, uptake of the MenB vaccine is higher but still below the recommended 95% target. Around 92.8% of infants are vaccinated by their first birthday, rising slightly to 91.8% by their second.

Health officials say these figures reflect strong engagement from families and primary care teams but stress that continued vigilance is needed.

Families are being advised to check their child’s vaccination record with their GP or by contacting the Health Board directly. Parents should also ensure babies receive their scheduled MenB doses and that teenagers receive their MenACWY and 3-in-1 booster vaccines, which are currently being delivered in schools.

Parents are also urged to remain alert to the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and to seek urgent medical advice if they have concerns.

Further information on symptoms is available via NHS 111 Wales.