Latest news with #GreatWesternHospital
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Advertiser readers congratulate six-year-old who beat cancer
Swindon Adver readers congratulated a six-year-old boy who has officially beaten cancer. Tommy was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in March 2023 and can now live without fighting each day. On April 24, Tommy rang the bell at Great Western Hospital and said the magic words: "This bell is here for you to ring, while those around you cheer and sing, already you have come so far, you're stronger than you think you are, the journeys hard make no mistake, each day small steps you need to take, with love and strength to you we say, this bell will help you on your way." We shared this truly special moment and congratulated Tommy on this happy occasion. Here's what you had to say. Helen Gibson said: 'That's excellent news. Onwards and upwards now boy, you've got this.' Sarah Plimmer said: 'Congratulations, well done to you.' Antony Thomas said: 'Well done Tommy, you're an amazing boy, bless you.' Aiden Henshaw said: 'Hard as nails, well done Tommy you warrior!' Alan Lambert said: 'Well done lad.' Michelle-Jane Banaschewsky said: 'Well done little fella, what a warrior you are.' Wendy Bain said: 'Amazing, well done young man.' Sophie said: 'Awwww what an amazing brave little boy. So nice to see something positive for once.' Leanne Waite said: 'Amazing.' Tracey Scott said: 'Wonderful news, lots of love.' Natasha Evans said: 'Awwww what fantastic news little man.' Connor Robins said: 'Brilliant news for you little man!! Must be made of metal being as strong as you are.' Mandy Lane said: 'Well done. That's amazing news to hear. Very strong young man.' Brenda Harrington said: 'Well done.' Linda Johnstone said: 'Brilliant news.' Kelly Nash said: 'Amazing news little man.' Carmel Shea said: 'What an amazing little man.' Teresa Hart said: 'Fantastic news.' Carole Green said: 'Well done Tommy!' Anne Woodward said: 'Brilliant news, brave, amazing and inspirational.' Anita Renn said: 'Most amazing boy you are Tommy.' Auriel Meyrick said: 'That's wonderful news.' Caroline Henry said: 'Lovely.' Terry Smart said: 'Fantastic news Tommy. Well done GWH.' Carolyn Sarson said: 'Brilliant news.' Siobhan Catherine said: 'Well done, what a little soldier.' Russell Watts said: 'Good lad.' Christine Smith said: 'Very well done.'
BBC News
11-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Volunteers to help end of life patients at Great Western Hospital
A new volunteer service has been set up to support hospital patients who are nearing the end of their Butterfly Volunteers at Great Western Hospital in Swindon will provide emotional support and companionship for patients in their final days, alongside their service, which is funded by the hospital's charity Brighter Futures, is being offered in partnership with the End of Life and Palliative Care Team, voluntary services and the Anne Robson coordinator Abigail Grimmer said: "They are specially trained to offer quiet companionship and a reassuring presence." "Patients facing the end of life, when they're in hospital, it can be really lonely and daunting," she said."Unfortunately, staff, nurses and doctors, we don't always have the time to sit with patients when they really need that comfort and support. "We wanted to be able to provide that in a different way," she support will include signposting family members to available bereavement support services, reading or playing music to patients and or discussing their wishes with families. 'Not alone' "They're not here to provide your physical care for patients. It might be as simple as just sitting with someone and holding their hand, or reading to them, playing some music that they might like, or just literally just being in the room with a patient so that they're not alone," said Ms the type of person they need as a volunteer, Ms Grimmer said being interested in the role is the start but there is no real job description."We just want someone who's kind and and willing to be here for patients," she support will include signposting family members to available bereavement support services, reading or playing music to patients and or discussing their wishes with families.
BBC News
07-03-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Ukrainian refugee doctor 'grateful' to be in Wiltshire
A Ukrainian doctor, now in the UK, has described how she and her family were "sure they would die" as they sheltered from missiles in a Olga Pantas is preparing for a medical test that would allow her to practice in the UK, although she had already volunteered in a Wiltshire hospital."I'm really grateful. I feel safe here" she said, explaining that she and her children had been in the UK three years after the start of the council figures showed that Wiltshire had welcomed more than 1,600 "guests" as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. 'No hope' Three years ago, Dr Pantas and her family were in her parents' basement for three weeks on the Russian-Ukrainian border as the war raged around them: "It was dangerous. We had no food by the end of the second week."They hardly slept in that time either."We had no hope. We were really sure we would die. It's like a nightmare and the nightmare didn't end," she managed to get out to friends, but her father wanted to stay in his home to look after the house and spent time in Croatia, but was then encouraged to come to the UK by friends here. The friends were Russian, but have been in the UK for decades - and Dr Pantas said they supported Ukraine."It's so moving how people open doors to their own homes. They have been so welcoming to Ukrainian people. They've given us a house, food, care, help. I'm happy because my children are here," she has one child aged nine, and a 16-year-old daughter who had applied to university in the UK to study international relations: "She's absolutely sure she can change something."However, Dr Pantas was still worried about the family who stayed behind: "I feel terribly about my family. Every night I check the news." She used to think that diplomacy could solve everything, but was not convinced anymore: "We are always fighting for our freedom all through Ukrainian history. "I'm proud of our military to keep this front and save my family."Dr Pantas explained she had 20 years of experience as a cardiologist and wanted to practice again, which is why she was working to be registered in the volunteering at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, she would like to work as a doctor there when she was able to.
