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Wales Online
12 hours ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Warning that changes to one Welsh hospital would affect patients 'from Carmarthen to Bangor'
Warning that changes to one Welsh hospital would affect patients 'from Carmarthen to Bangor' Ysbyty Bronglais in Aberystwyth has been described as 'absolutely central to the hospital map of Wales' Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne) Two high-ranking councillors from Ceredigion are urging the Welsh Government to consider the impact of potential changes to services at Bronglais on patients across three health boards in central Wales. In May Hywel Dda University Health Board initiated a public consultation, which will run until August 31, regarding potential alterations to service provision across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire. This comes after nine key services were classified as 'critical' with the board stating that urgent reorganisation is necessary. The services identified weree critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, radiology, stroke, and urology. There will be no changes to how individuals access emergency care (A&E) or minor injury care. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . This has sparked concerns that some services currently offered at Bronglais could be downgraded. One of the many options being considered includes downgrading stroke services at the hospital to a 'treat and transfer' model resulting in reduced services in Ceredigion. In neighbouring Pembrokeshire there are fears that patients at Withybush Hospital could be moved to other hospitals in the health board area due to a potential reduction in intensive care service. A petition about the potential changes at Bronglais has been launched and has already garnered nearly 11,000 signatures. Petitions that attract 10,000 signatures will be considered for a debate in the Senedd. Article continues below Ceredigion councillors Bryan Davies and Alun Williams are calling for the Welsh Government to intervene in discussions about potential changes proposed by Hywel Dda. Cllr Bryan Davies, leader of Ceredigion County Council, said: "We understand why Hywel Dda health board may consider centralising services given the recruitment and financial challenges it faces. "But why should patients from Ceredigion, Powys, and Meirionnydd have to travel to south Wales for services, when there is sufficient demand for those services closer to home? "It has already been acknowledged that the stroke services at Bronglais are of excellent quality so why not make Bronglais a centre for excellence?" Cllr Alun Williams, deputy leader and cabinet member for through age and wellbeing, added: "In Ceredigion we have an ageing population coupled with one of the highest life expectancies in Wales. "With stroke being most common in people over 65 years old we clearly need to maintain the current level of care we already have in Bronglais. "Ysbyty Bronglais is the only district general hospital between Carmarthen and Bangor and is absolutely central to the hospital map of Wales. "As the strategic body for health in Wales the Welsh Government has to take responsibility and not leave these important decisions to beleaguered health boards." In June Cllr Williams' motion calling for Ceredigion council to support campaigners fighting potential cuts to hospital services at the county's main hospital received backing. During the May health board meeting medical director Mark Henwood said: "No decisions have been made on the options presented and there are currently no preferred solutions. "The changes we are looking to make are to ensure we have safe, high-quality services and affordable healthcare in the future and have at their heart the best interests of the people of west Wales and their patient experience." After the consultation concludes the proposals will undergo further discussion at an upcoming health board meeting anticipated for November this year. Article continues below
Powys County Times
16-06-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Calls made for council to back Bronglais Hospital services
Campaigners opposing the loss of services at mid Wales' biggest hospital have received the backing of councillors. Late last month, Hywel Dda University Health Board launched a public consultation, running to August 31, into potential changes in service provision across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire after classifying nine key services as 'critical', stating that urgent reorganisation is necessary. The services identified are: critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, radiology, stroke, and urology. There are no changes to how people access emergency care (A&E) or minor injury care. It has raised concerns that some services at Bronglais could be downgraded, with including stroke services being downgraded to a 'treat and transfer' model. A Notice of Motion by Cllr Alun Williams, heard at the June 12 meeting of Ceredigion County Council, said: 'Ysbyty Cyffredinol Bronglais may be on the northern periphery of the Hywel Dda Health Board area, but it is in a central position on the map of Wales and the only general hospital between Carmarthen and Bangor. "It provides vital healthcare services for patients in Ceredigion, Powys and Meirionydd. 'Accessibility and local provision are fundamental to good healthcare and we will take a critical view of any proposals likely to lead to a loss of local services. We note that concerns have recently been raised about the potential reduction of services at the hospital by Hywel Dda University Health Board – this time concerning stroke services. 'To this end we support in principle the work of the Protect Bronglais Services local campaign group in its efforts to prevent any reduction of services at the hospital. 'Given that public transport links are already inadequate in this region, moving services away from Aberystwyth will make access to adequate hospital treatment even more difficult.' The call by Cllr Williams asks that: 'Hywel Dda University Health Board acknowledges that the residents of Ceredigion and central Wales deserve as full and accessible a health service as all other residents within the Board's remit.' 'Hywel Dda University Health Board, and the Welsh Government, clarify their positions on the future of vital services at Bronglais in general and equity of access to healthcare for the population of central Wales, stroke services in particular.' Speaking at the June 12 meeting, Cllr Williams, who had presented the notice on behalf of Cllr Gareth Davies, said concerns about the potential loss of services had led to the Protect Bronglais Services group being set up. A public meeting attracted more than 200 people, with a further – larger – meeting due to take place in the great hall at Aberystwyth University's campus. A petition to the Senedd has attracted more than 2,400 signatures since its recent launch. 'Bronglais is the only hospital between Carmarthen and Bangor and a broad swathe of land in central Wales," he added. "Bronglais is absolutely pivotal to the Welsh healthcare system.' Cllr Eryl Evans, who seconded the motion, said: 'The stroke department has been recognised as one that gives very high standards of care, the service as it is perfect; it's completely unreasonable and a gross extra strain on the patients.' Cllr Catrin MS Davies said a reduction in stroke services would be 'forcing residents to travel to Llanelli or Haverfordwest.' Cllr Williams' motion was unanimously backed by councillors. At the May meeting of the health board, Medical Director Mr Mark Henwood said: 'No decisions have been made on the options presented, and there are currently no preferred solutions. "The changes we are looking to make are to ensure we have safe, high-quality services and affordable healthcare in the future, and have at their heart the best interests of the people of west Wales and their patient experience.' The proposals will be further discussed at a future health board meeting, expect to be November of this year.
Business News Wales
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Swansea Building Society Launches New Mobile App
Swansea Building Society has officially launched its new mobile app. The new digital service marks a significant step forward for the Society it said, enabling customers to transfer funds between existing Society accounts, withdraw funds to nominated accounts (subject to account terms), and set and monitor personal savings goals. The platform also gives users access to mortgage information, secure messaging with the Society's team, and the ability to manage marketing preferences and voting options for the Society's AGM. In doing so, Swansea Building Society becomes the first Welsh building society to offer a dedicated savings app — which it described as another milestone in its journey to deliver greater accessibility for members across Wales and beyond. Initially launched via the web in early April, followed by an iOS release in May, the app is now also available on Android devices. It can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Security has been a core focus during the app's development, which spanned 12 to 18 months. The result is an app that includes biometric authentication such as Face ID and Touch ID. Throughout the development process, Swansea Building Society said it aimed to provide a high-quality, secure user experience while maintaining the core values that set the Society apart. It said that while this new service offers convenience and flexibility for customers who prefer to manage their finances digitally, it is intended to enhance — not replace — the Society's longstanding commitment to personal, face-to-face service through its branch network. Nick Longar, Head of IT at Swansea Building Society, said: 'We developed the app and online platform using a phased approach to ensure everything met our standards for usability and security. It's a major advancement for the Society, giving our customers access to their accounts in a way that suits their lifestyle — all while keeping their information safe and secure.' Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, added: 'This launch represents a pivotal moment for us as we continue to evolve to meet our customers' needs. Our digital service complements the personal approach that has always been central to our ethos. With this latest development, we are proud to offer more choice, more flexibility, and even better service — without compromising on what makes us different.' The launch of the new app and online service follows the Society's fourth consecutive year of record growth. The Society remains one of the few financial institutions in the UK that receives no wholesale funding or support from the Bank of England in the form of cheap funding. Its balance sheet is funded entirely by customer savings balances and its own capital reserves built up from retained profits over many years.
Hamilton Spectator
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
OTC Markets Group Welcomes Consensus Mining & Seigniorage Corporation to OTCQX
NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Consensus Mining & Seigniorage Corporation (OTCQX: CMSG), a cryptocurrency mining company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Consensus Mining & Seigniorage Corporation begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol 'CMSG.' U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on . Trading on the OTCQX Market offers companies efficient, cost-effective access to the U.S. capital markets. Streamlined market requirements for OTCQX are designed to help companies lower the cost and complexity of being publicly traded, while providing transparent trading for their investors. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. 'Consensus Mining & Seigniorage Corporation is excited to partner with OTC Markets Group to begin trading on the OTCQX Market,' said President Alun Williams. 'This is an important step forward in our differentiated strategy of growing a cryptocurrency mining company with a gradualist approach to capital deployment that can use positive cash flows to grow its bitcoin held on a per-share basis.' About Consensus Mining & Seigniorage Corporation Consensus Mining & Seigniorage Corporation ('CMSG') is a cryptocurrency mining company created with strategic partnerships in hosting, repair and management that enable it to operate with minimal overhead and enhanced profitability, and with a conservative capital structure that allows for flexible and patient capital allocation. About OTC Markets Group Inc. OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market. Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets. OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATSTM are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit . Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed Media Contact: OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@
Business Mayor
11-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Victorian seaside town with historic cliff railway & oldest pier in Wales gets set for £60million makeover
A VICTORIAN seaside town is set to undergo a significant makeover that could further boost its tourism. The Welsh town, which features a cliff railway and the country's oldest pier, will see its historic promenade upgraded as part of the work. 5 Aberystwyth is set to undergo a significant revamp, including work to its historic promenade Credit: Getty 5 Work is currently being carried out on the seaside town's promenade, which dates back to the Victorian era Credit: Getty With a population of around 15,000, this seaside resort is thought to date back as far as the Mesolithic Age. In 1865, Aberystwyth opened the Royal Pier, the first of its kind in Wales. Though much shorter after decades of storms, the original structure still stands and is home to an ice-cream shop, a pub, a snooker hall, a restaurant, an amusement arcade centre, and also a nightclub. The town's historic promenade has also faced wear and tear over the years due to its close proximity to the Irish Sea. And now the Prom is set to undergo a development to turn it into a 'more vibrant, accessible, and attractive space for residents and visitors alike', according to Ceredigion County Council. The project involves improvements to the public space, including upgraded street lighting, enhanced footpaths, and new street furniture to 'refresh and modernise the promenade'. 'These upgrades will create a welcoming and safe environment, making the promenade an inviting space to enjoy year-round,' the council said. These improvements, together with a redevelopment of the town's historic Old College, are funded by a £10.8 million influx from the UK Government. They are hoped to 'breathe new life into an area rich in cultural heritage'. The Promenade project is set to stimulate new investment, 'creating opportunities and boosting confidence in the town', building on Aberystwyth's 'rightful place as an attractor destination'. Inside little-known seaside spot right next to the country's most iconic sites Councillor Alun Williams, Deputy Leader of Ceredigion County Council spoke about the ongoing work. 'This is a transformative programme of works for Aberystwyth,' he said. 'Combined, we are seeing over £60 million of investment into the town. 'The new promenade will greatly improve links with other attractions like the Castle Grounds and the revitalised Old College. 'It will offer more space for active travel and healthier lifestyles as well as adding to the all-round beauty of the seafront. 'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp By Nicole Cherruault A 'DOWNTRODDEN' English ghost town is being turned into a 'vibrant' shopping hub in a £9million revamp. The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound 'vision for change' after locals complained the town felt 'left behind'. More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers. Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a 'downtrodden' town, reports Manchester Evening News. The objective, the council said, is to create a 'vibrant' and a 'fit for purpose' centre for people to enjoy. Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities. And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners. This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been 'left behind' and it was in desperate need of some 'drastic' improvements. The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year. However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre 'remains open for business', stressing that the works only affect a few areas. He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council. 'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre. 'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.' Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community. In a statement, he spoke of his 'excitement' for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles. He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community. 'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community. 'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.' 'The consequent increased footfall will then naturally lead to business growth. 'It's good to see some of the improvements already in place, like the new lighting around the war memorial at Castle Point.' The overall project is anticipated to conclude this summer. According to Visit Wales, a visit to Aberystwyth is 'quite impossible without a walk, jog, or mindfulness moment on the mile long Victorian promenade'. The walkway leads to the town's 'best vantage point' at the end of north beach's promenade, atop the 430 feet that is Constitution Hill. And if that incline sounds too much, especially on a hot summer's day which have been known to peak as high as the high 20s in Aberystwyth, don't worry. The town's famous funicular Cliff Railway operates from April to October, leading to the world's largest Camera Obscura, which includes a cafe and gift shop. It was first opened in 1896 as a means of transporting people between the arcades and restaurant located at the foot of the hill to the park on top. Adults can still enjoy a return trip for just £7 per person, while children pay £6. And as well as enjoying this panoramic view, visitors can also take in the town's vibrant history. You can travel through the centuries from Pen Dinas Hill , an Iron Age hillfort to a 1850s monument, erected as a memorial to the first Duke of Wellington. 5 The town's funicular railway offers stunning views of the Welsh coast Credit: Getty 5 The town features a castle and the Old University, which was first constructed as a hotel in 1865 Credit: Getty The ruins of Aberystwyth Castle , originally an English castle built to keep the Welsh out in the 13th century, are also worth a visit. This structure dates back to the same era as the nearby Flint, Rhuddlan, and Builth Wells' castles. Aberystwyth Arts Centre is worth a visit, as is the neighbouring National Library of Wales , home to historic books as well as the smallest book in the world. And in a town where even the local college dates back to 1865, when it was first erected as a luxury hotel, you won't be short of history to lap up. But it's not just ancient attractions in this town, you can also enjoy the town's beaches, with the South Beach offering a long golden strand compared to the North's shingle. However, don't rule out the latter for a fun family day out as donkey rides are available during the warmer months. And there's no shortage of accommodation, with seafront options including The Richmond Hotel , and The Glengower , or the Gwesty'r Marine Hotel & Spa , with rates starting from just £ 60 per night. There is also a wide variety of gastro pubs and restaurants in the area, including many tapas bars. Aberystwyth is located in Mid Wales, less than a three hour drive from both Birmingham and Cardiff, and is home to Hollywood star Taron Egerton. If you're looking for other Welsh towns to visit, another seaside town is also set for a historic upgrade.
