Latest news with #HywelDda
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Health board's fragile services need urgent change
Hospital services across a Welsh health board could be reorganised because they are so fragile. Hywel Dda health board has included critical care, stroke services, eye care and urology among those in need of urgent attention. Among the options would be to halve the number of acute stroke units and centralise planned urology cases and eye care. A number of options will be given to the public, though the health board said it would welcome alternative suggestions as there was no preferred option. It is understood each option put forward would come with a cost implication, but would be less than the current rising costs. First minister 'misses NHS waiting times promise' Hospital's £3m new cancer unit officially opens Man's plea to save stroke unit that helped him talk again Hywel Dda said changes were needed "because of the risks to them being able to continue to offer safe, quality services or timely care". The four main hospitals in the area, which covers Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, are Prince Philip in Llanelli, Glangwili in Carmarthen, Withybush in Haverfordwest and Bronglais in Aberystwyth. The health board said clinical teams were spread across multiple sites, over a wide geographic area, and there is an "over-reliance on a small number of individuals". The nine areas deemed most fragile are: Critical care Dermatology Emergency general surgery Endoscopy Ophthalmology Orthopaedics Radiology Stroke Urology Hayden Harres, 65, said his local hospital, Glangwili, was "very good" but he would not want people to have to travel further for care. "Distance is one factor, I think, especially for elderly people. If they have to travel further I don't think the care is better. I have every faith that the local hospital can provide the care that we need," he said. Shadeen Lacaman, 27, from Haverfordwest, added she would support changes "as long as it's not too far from where you live". The health board is not alone in facing challenges of reducing waiting times for treatment. At a time when parts of Wales still have patients waiting longer than two years for care, it has removed those waits entirely, but still has more than 12,000 waiting longer than one year. Staffing issues have improved predominantly due to the recruitment of international nurses, taking band five vacancies down from 280 whole-time equivalent to just 18. The health board said that had substantially reduced its agency spend, but vacancies remained in other areas of its workforce. Plans to update services were first drawn up in 2018 and while the pandemic increased demand, Hywel Dda has also had to contend with significant capital costs associated with issues around reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) at Withybush Hospital. A new hospital is planned for the area, but will not be built for at least 10 years after delays as well as the impact of inflation on construction costs. Since the pandemic, there has also been an increased emphasis on regional working among health boards in Wales, meaning pressures can be spread across regions, though that also creates fresh logistical challenges. Meanwhile backlog maintenance costs for an ageing estate continuing to rise, meaning doing nothing is not an option. A previous report stated maintenance costs had increased from £60m to £255m since 2018, with £42m categorised as "high risk". Glangwili and Withybush have the "most significant backlogs" at £90m and £72m respectively. Any changes would be closely inspected by patients who are likely to face longer travel times for some services as a consequence, though the plans also include expansion in some areas and a greater role for primary and community services. A public consultation on the options will be held over the summer with final plans expected to be put to the board by November. Mark Henwood, executive medical director of the health board, said the reasons for the changes include difficulties in staffing services across all hospitals and the challenge of getting back to the same levels of treatments that were being delivered before the Covid pandemic. Mr Henwood added: "Basically, we believe we're not delivering the highest standards of care to our patients." He said: "These are not pre-determined options. We are going out to consult with our public about the services and to listen to their views about the services and if they identify options then of course we will consider those. "No staff will lose their jobs during this process. "This is not about saving money. This is about delivering the highest quality care to our patients." Eiry Edmunds, deputy medical director, said clinicians are "anxious for progress and for change" and Senthil Kumar, the lead consultant for stroke services said changes are needed to improve standards of care in a health board where its geography is one of the "biggest issues". The health board said: "Our 2024-25 end of year deficit was £24.1m, subject to audit. "In previous years, spend was higher as a result of challenges faced during and following the Covid-19 pandemic, together with significant inflationary pressures. "Focused effort by our teams, including reduced use of agency staff in the last financial year, and additional funding from Welsh government, has led to an improvement in our deficit position." Nurse pay 'lagging behind' public sector, union says
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Hywel Dda health board's fragile services need urgent change
Hospital services across a Welsh health board could reorganised because they are so Dda health board has included critical care, stroke services, eye care and urology among those in need of urgent the options would be to halve the number of acute stroke units and centralise planned urology cases and eye care.A number of options will be given to the public, though the health board said it would welcome alternative suggestions as there was no preferred is understood each option put forward would come with a cost implication, but would be less than the current rising costs. Hywel Dda said changes were needed "because of the risks to them being able to continue to offer safe, quality services or timely care".The four main hospitals in the area, which covers Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, are Prince Philip in Llanelli, Glangwili in Carmarthen, Withybush in Haverfordwest and Bronglais in health board said clinical teams were spread across multiple sites, over a wide geographic area, and there is an "over-reliance on a small number of individuals".The nine areas deemed most fragile are: Critical careDermatologyEmergency general surgeryEndoscopyOphthalmologyOrthopaedicsRadiologyStrokeUrology The health board is not alone in facing challenges of reducing waiting times for a time when parts of Wales still have patients waiting longer than two years for care, it has removed those waits entirely, but still has more than 12,000 waiting longer than one issues have improved predominantly due to the recruitment of international nurses, taking band five vacancies down from 280 whole-time equivalent to just health board said that had substantially reduced its agency spend, but vacancies remained in other areas of its to update services were first drawn up in 2018 and while the pandemic increased demand, Hywel Dda has also had to contend with significant capital costs associated with issues around reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) at Withybush Hospital.A new hospital is planned for the area, but will not be built for at least 10 years after delays as well as the impact of inflation on construction costs. Since the pandemic, there has also been an increased emphasis on regional working among health boards in Wales, meaning pressures can be spread across regions, though that also creates fresh logistical backlog maintenance costs for an ageing estate continuing to rise, meaning doing nothing is not an option.A previous report stated maintenance costs had increased from £60m to £255m since 2018, with £42m categorised as "high risk". Glangwili and Withybush have the "most significant backlogs" at £90m and £72m changes would be closely inspected by patients who are likely to face longer travel times for some services as a consequence, though the plans also include expansion in some areas and a greater role for primary and community services.A public consultation on the options will be held over the summer with final plans expected to be put to the board by November.
07-05-2025
- Health
Merlins Bridge Juniors secure U14s treble with cup final win
Hywel Dda team scoops two national awards for digital innovation in patient care A GROUNDBREAKING digital prehabilitation programme run by Hywel Dda University Health Board has won two national awards for its innovative approach to preparing patients mentally and physically for elective surgery. The health board's Virtual Orthopaedic Prehabilitation and Optimisation Team won the Maximising Digitalisation category at the Welsh Government's 3Ps Healthcare Awards, held recently in Cardiff. Judges praised the team's use of online health, fitness, and wellbeing sessions to deliver personalised care to patients awaiting orthopaedic surgery. The programme's potential for wider use across Wales also earned it the coveted Overall Winner award. One person who has benefited from the programme is 80-year-old former teacher and journalist, Stella Nicholls, from Milford Haven (Pictured). Stella, who had endured years of hip pain, was unable to enjoy everyday activities like gardening, socialising, or attending the theatre. But after taking part in the award-winning programme, she underwent a successful hip replacement at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli in January 2025—and is now pain-free and enjoying life once more. Stella was referred to the Prehabilitation and Optimisation Team after joining the waiting list for surgery. Eight months ahead of her operation, the team helped her make lifestyle changes—such as lowering her Body Mass Index (BMI) and increasing physical activity—to reduce the risk of delay and improve her recovery. 'I was invited to take part in an online course run by the Prehabilitation and Optimisation Team,' said Stella. 'It was a 12-week programme of video sessions with a small group of patients like me, all waiting for orthopaedic surgery. 'We were guided by team members through home-based physiotherapy sessions and weekly talks covering diet, mood, pain management, fatigue, and what to expect before, during and after surgery.' Stella said the course was not only informative but emotionally supportive: 'We became like a little family. I looked forward to the sessions and noticed improvements in my mobility and pain levels within weeks. The dietary changes also helped me lose a considerable amount of weight.' She added: 'Being on this course gave me hope. When you're in severe pain and on a long waiting list, you can feel forgotten. This programme made me feel seen and supported. I'm certain I went into surgery in a far better state than I would have otherwise.' Jeremy Miles presents the awards to the Virtual Orthopaedic Prehabilitation and Optimisation team (Image: HDUHB) Rebecca Bowen, Clinical Lead Dietitian for the team, said: 'The 12-week programme supports the Welsh Government's 3Ps policy—Promote healthy behaviours, Prevent worsening health, and Prepare patients for treatment and recovery. We want patients to wait well and avoid last-minute cancellations. Stella's story is a brilliant example of what can be achieved.' For more information on preparing for surgery, contact the Waiting List Support Service on 0300 303 8322, option 3.
South Wales Guardian
01-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
'Artificial pancreas' offered to pregnant diabetics at HDUHB
Hywel Dda University Health Board has introduced this technology, which is made up of an insulin pump, a glucose sensor, and an advanced algorithm running on a mobile phone application. The artificial pancreas will then calculate and deliver precise insulin dosages required before and during pregnancy. Dr Lisa Forrest, consultant physician, diabetes and general medicine at Hywel Dda, said: "Women with type 1 diabetes often have difficulties managing their glucose levels before and during pregnancy. "This can result in complications for newborns, such as premature birth, high birth weight, and the need for intensive care. "However, reducing blood glucose levels before and during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of serious adverse outcomes, including birth defects, stillbirth, and neonatal death. "This 'artificial pancreas' can transform these women's experience of pregnancy – helping to make this special time in a woman's life less stressful and more enjoyable." The Hywel Dda diabetes team had training on the technology in July and November 2024 and were excited to be one of the first hospitals in Wales to routinely offer the technology to all new pregnancies affected by type 1 diabetes. In December 2024, eight women living with type 1 diabetes who were pregnant or planning pregnancy were started on the Ypsopump (insulin pump) alongside the hybrid closed-loop CAM APS FX algorithm. Dr Forrest said: "A report published in 2023 looked at the use of 'artificial pancreas' technology with the insulin pump and the CAM APS FX hybrid closed loop algorithm during pregnancy. "Compared to traditional insulin therapy methods, women who used the technology during pregnancy spent more time with their glucose levels in the pregnancy target range, were less likely to have blood pressure complications during pregnancy and gained less weight. "They also reported that using the system lessened the physical, mental and emotional demands of managing their diabetes and increased their confidence to reach glucose targets, improved sleep and decreased their stress and anxiety." Michelle Jones, from Milford Haven, is one of the mums-to-be who benefited from the artificial pancreas treatment. She said: "The artificial pancreas just changed everything really. "Sometimes if your blood sugar levels aren't in range, it gives you that confidence, that bit of reassurance that it's going to help you correct your levels. "It's given me tighter control with my glucose levels." Mark Henwood, interim medical director at Hywel Dda, said: "I am very proud of the ground-breaking work being done by our amazing diabetes team. "The artificial technology will transform the experiences of women living with type 1 diabetes and help make their pregnancy a safer, less stressful experience."
Western Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Health
- Western Telegraph
'Artificial pancreas' offered to pregnant diabetics at HDUHB
Hywel Dda University Health Board has introduced this technology, which is made up of an insulin pump, a glucose sensor, and an advanced algorithm running on a mobile phone application. The artificial pancreas will then calculate and deliver precise insulin dosages required before and during pregnancy. Dr Lisa Forrest, consultant physician, diabetes and general medicine at Hywel Dda, said: "Women with type 1 diabetes often have difficulties managing their glucose levels before and during pregnancy. "This can result in complications for newborns, such as premature birth, high birth weight, and the need for intensive care. "However, reducing blood glucose levels before and during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of serious adverse outcomes, including birth defects, stillbirth, and neonatal death. "This 'artificial pancreas' can transform these women's experience of pregnancy – helping to make this special time in a woman's life less stressful and more enjoyable." The Hywel Dda diabetes team had training on the technology in July and November 2024 and were excited to be one of the first hospitals in Wales to routinely offer the technology to all new pregnancies affected by type 1 diabetes. In December 2024, eight women living with type 1 diabetes who were pregnant or planning pregnancy were started on the Ypsopump (insulin pump) alongside the hybrid closed-loop CAM APS FX algorithm. Dr Forrest said: "A report published in 2023 looked at the use of 'artificial pancreas' technology with the insulin pump and the CAM APS FX hybrid closed loop algorithm during pregnancy. "Compared to traditional insulin therapy methods, women who used the technology during pregnancy spent more time with their glucose levels in the pregnancy target range, were less likely to have blood pressure complications during pregnancy and gained less weight. "They also reported that using the system lessened the physical, mental and emotional demands of managing their diabetes and increased their confidence to reach glucose targets, improved sleep and decreased their stress and anxiety." Michelle Jones, from Milford Haven, is one of the mums-to-be who benefited from the artificial pancreas treatment. She said: "The artificial pancreas just changed everything really. "Sometimes if your blood sugar levels aren't in range, it gives you that confidence, that bit of reassurance that it's going to help you correct your levels. "It's given me tighter control with my glucose levels." Mark Henwood, interim medical director at Hywel Dda, said: "I am very proud of the ground-breaking work being done by our amazing diabetes team. "The artificial technology will transform the experiences of women living with type 1 diabetes and help make their pregnancy a safer, less stressful experience."
